Chelsea tried to hijack deal for Eliesse Ben Seghir

Chelsea tried to hijack Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of Eliesse Ben Seghir prior to the summer transfer deadline, according to Foot Mercato.

The Blues were determined to bolster their attack before the deadline after Liam Delap's picked up a long-term hamstring injury.

Tyrique George was also touted to leave for Fulham. The lack of a new arrival meant that the Blues graduate was asked to stay instead.

Foot Mercato now reveal that the Blues pushed to sign Ben Seghir ahead of Leverkusen on August 31, but the attacker did not change his stance.

The Moroccan had a deep thought about the proposal, but eventually committed to joining Leverkusen in a deal worth £22m from Monaco.

Chelsea are not actively looking at recruits with the transfer window having closed and they will reassess their situation at the turn of the year.

Delap is likely to return at some point in November. If there is any fresh concern, the Blues could contemplate a forward signing in January.