Chelsea handed potential blow in defender pursuit

Chelsea have been handed a potential blow in the pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos.

The Blues were keen on signing the Brazil international last summer, and made a formal bid of around €100m.

However, Les Parisiens had no plans to sell. Marquinhos was also happy to continue with the club for another season.

It was recently suggested that the Blues could make a fresh approach next year, but it appears they have been handed a blow.

Marquinhos is delighted with his role at Parc des Princes, and Fabrizio Romano claims that he will sign a fresh long-term deal.

Talks are already underway with the Parisian giants, and it is claimed that the new contract could extend his stay until 2026 or 2027.

The Blues could have a busy summer ahead with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen likely to leave on free transfers.

Both centre-backs have entered the final year of their contracts, and seem disinterested in renewing amid salary differences.