There’s certainly a lack of top class centre-backs available at the moment, which will only increase the disappointment if Kostas Manolas renews at Roma.
Reported Chelsea target Kostas Manolas could sign a new contract at Roma, the Greek defender’s agent has told ESPN.
The former Olympiakos centre-back still has two years to run on his current deal with the Italian giants, but could be set to ward off reported interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City by extending his stay at the capital club.
The news could prove a blow to Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, especially with top target Kalidou Koulibaly (below) signing a new five-year deal at Napoli on Monday, according to the Evening Standard.
The four-time Premier League champions reportedly launched a £26 million bid for Manolas in the summer, as reported by Football Italia, but suggestions of a new contract could force Chelsea to look elsewhere.
“It is possible that Kostas will sign a new deal at Roma and we will see what they have got to say,” the defenders agent, Ioannis Evangelopoulos, told ESPN.
“There was strong interest in Kostas (below) from top clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United in the summer and I am sure those clubs are still watching him.”
Jose Mourinho’s Man United have displayed a distinct shakiness at the back in three successive defeats to rivals City, Feyenoord and Watford, with Eric Bailly suffering a few teething problems after an otherwise exceptional start to life in English football.
Therefore, talk of Manolas’ renewal may well disappoint the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager, with current starter Daley Blind (below) something of an antitheses to the typical ‘Mourinho centre-back’.
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