Chelsea’s hopes of signing AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas have taken a blow as the Serie A club are preparing to offer him a new contract, according to a report on Talksport.
The Greek international defender has been on Chelsea’s radar for some time but Roma are desperate to keep him at the club.
The 27-year-old is into his fifth season at the club and is a fan favourite. Manolas is also being watched by European giants Bayern Munich and Juventus.
However, Roma want to ensure that all speculation about his future is ended by giving him a new contract.
With Chelsea defenders Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen not playing particularly well this season, manager Maurizio Sarri is considering bringing in some more defensive players, with Manolas an obvious target.
However, the Italian club are reportedly hoping to convince the centre-back to sign a new deal by including a pay rise.
Manolas is widely considered as one of the best defenders in the Serie A and everyone associated with Roma want to keep him at the club.
