Antonio Conte has confirmed that Chelsea previously tried to sign Roma’s Radja Nainggolan, describing him as “one of the best midfielders.”
The Belgium international, 29, has been linked with the Blues during successive transfer windows and has spoken about their attempts to sign him.
Nainggolan will face Chelsea in Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Asked about the player’s comments suggesting that Chelsea wanted to sign him, Blues boss Conte said: “In the past we tried to, but now he is Roma’s player.
“I have great respect for him, for Roma and for my players, and it is not right to speak about players of another team (being linked with Chelsea).
“He is a really great player and for me one of the best midfielders, but he is an opponent.”
Meanwhile, Conte also confirmed that Alvaro Morata is in contention to return for Chelsea following hamstring problem.