Chelsea transfer news: Blues dealt blow in hunt to sign Kostas Manolas with defender to sign new Roma deal

ANTONIO CONTE has been dealt a major blow in his quest to bring Kostas Manolas to Chelsea.

The Greek centre-back has been a long-term target for the Blues, but is reportedly close to signing a new three-year deal with Roma.

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According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 26-year-old will put pen to paper to extend his stay at Stadio Olimpico.

He tweeted: “Kostas Manolas will extend his contract with AS #Roma soon for 3 years more. Agreement reached.”

It is believed that the former Olympiacos defender will have a buy-out clause in the region of £32.5million.

Manolas joined Roma from the Greek giants in 2014, and is tied down at Eusebio Di Francesco’s side until 2019.

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Sky Sport Italia claim that the release clause would only be valid for clubs outside of Italy.

Manolas has featured 12 times for the Giallorossi this term, netting twice in the top-flight as Roma sit fourth in the table.

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Chelsea aren’t the only side to be tracking Manolas, as a host of European club’s vie for his signature.

Arsenal were believed to have held an interest in the centre-half earlier this year, with his agent revealing the Gunners offered a reported £35m.

While Juventus failed in their attempts to lure Manolas to Turin in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea could be on the market for a new central-defender with reports linking David Luiz to La Liga side Real Madrid in January.