Transfer gossip: Telegraph say Chelsea rejected keeper deal

Chelsea rejected a pre-deadline bid from Watford for Asmir Begovic, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Blues’ second-choice goalkeeper was wanted by Bournemouth but stayed at Stamford Bridge because Chelsea were unable to bring in a replacement for him.

The Telegraph say Watford also came in for Begovic in the final hours of the transfer window, offering Chelsea £10m and the Hornets’ former Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes.

Begovic, who wanted to leave in order to play regular first-team football, is now expected to join Bournemouth at the end of the season.

The south-coast club also made an offer for Nathan Ake ahead of the deadline.

Chelsea were unwilling to part with the young Dutchman, who was recently recalled from a season-long loan with the Cherries.

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that Chelsea wanted to sign Celtic’s former Fulham forward Moussa Dembele ahead of the deadline.