Chelsea halt keeper talks
Chelsea have halted talks over a deal to sign Mike Maignan but will continue pursuing Jamie Gittens.
The Blues had hoped to land both in time for the Club World Cup, which starts next week, but deals will not be agreed in time.
A new, short-term, transfer window to allow signing’s ahead of the tournament closes at 7pm today. The usual summer transfer window opens on June 16.
Chelsea are not willing to meet AC Milan’s asking price of more than £20million for Maignan given he has just a year left on his deal.
Their latest proposal was for a fee of around £12m. Maignan has made his desire to move to Stamford Bridge clear, telling Milan he will not renew his deal.
Chelsea opened talks after being altered to Maignan’s desire to move, but refuse to budge on their valuation.
Their remains the chance that negotiations could pick up again later in the window if Milan’s asking price comes down. Failing that, from January Chelsea could hold pre-contract talks over a free transfer next summer.
The possibility of Djordje Petrovic going the other way as part of a deal has been discussed.
Borussia Dortmund winger Gittens remains a key target on the wing.
Chelsea have seen a £30m approach for the 20-year-old winger knocked back by the German side, who could hold out for up to £50m.