Transfer gossip: Blues continue to be linked with Manolas, Lukaku and Griezman

A round-up of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea…

Chelsea are competing with Manchester United for the signing of Roma defender Kostas Manolas, the Express claim.

It comes after Sky Sport Italia reported that United have opened talks over a potential £30m move for the Greek centre-back.

The Express have consistently linked him with Chelsea in recent weeks and say incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte also wants to sign him.

Another player regularly linked with Chelsea is Antoine Griezmann, and comments by his adviser Eric Olhats have prompted the Mirror to declare that the Blues are not giving up in their apparent pursuit of the Atletico Madrid star.

Olhats is quoted as saying: “Contrary to certain claims announcing that Antoine will be at Atletico next season without fail, nothing has been decided or endorsed.

“We are currently listening to different clubs who also offer real interest and attraction.”

Speculation also continues over the future of Romelu Lukaku, who has been linked with a possible return to Chelsea this summer.

The Express say Everton’s asking price is £65m and that Chelsea have indicated they are unwilling to pay that much.

So too, apparently, have Manchester United and Juventus, who have also been linked with the Belgium striker.

The Daily Telegraph say Lukaku, sold to Everton in 2014, has set his heart on a return to Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, midfielder Koke, who has also been linked with Chelsea, has told Spanish media he has no intention of leaving Atletico Madrid.

Goalkeeper Marco Amelia has told Italian media he has had offers from various clubs but would like to stay at Chelsea.

And Edinson Cavani’s agent Claudio Anellucci has played down speculation linking the Paris St-Germain forward with a possible move to the Bridge.

Anellucci told French radio: “I do not think that it is at all possible for Cavani to quit PSG.

“After the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, PSG want to keep their existing squad and reinforce in order to win the Champions League. PSG cannot lose two strikers.”