Chelsea take back door route to Kobbie Mainoo transfer as Serie A side stall in talks with midfielder

Chelsea are now gearing up for an FA Cup clash with Morecambe as they take a break from the Premier League after a disappointing festive spell. Enzo Maresca is likely to allow a number of players to rest here, with the Blues needing a reset after a run of frustrating results.

Meanwhile, the Blues will be keeping an eye out for potential transfer opportunities while trying to offload some players. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Mainoo latest

Chelsea are said to have contacted Kobbie Mainoo’s representatives in a bid to turn the player’s head. That’s according to Simon Phillips, who claims Chelsea are working on a deal to sign the midfielder this month, even if a summer deal is more likely.

Mainoo has rejected United’s contract offer, but he does still remain under terms for two-and-a-half years. It’s an ambitious move from Chelsea, but turning the player’s head may be the only way to get the deal done at this stage.

Casadei agreement stalls

Napoli are struggling to get a deal for Cesare Casadei over the line due to Chelsea’s asking price, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. It’s claimed the Blues are demanding £12.5million for the midfielder, who is expected to move on to pastures new this January, whether that’s on a permanent or loan deal.

Napoli are said to want a permanent deal, but they are reluctant to meet such a big price tag for a relatively unproven player. A solution could be found in the form of a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy, but the report claims the two clubs are currently stalling in their efforts to agree a deal.

Potter on Chelsea spell

Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has taken over at West Ham, and he says he has learned a lot from his time with the Blues. He said in his opening press conference: “When I listen to Pep Guardiola, he says he's got something to prove. If he's got something to prove, then we all have. It's the reality

“In professional sport, you’ve always got something to prove every day. It strives you forward. I'm comfortable in my own skin, I'm comfortable with who I am and what I've done. Clearly no one's perfect. Life is about taking the successes, accepting the setbacks and accepting the defeats. Accepting the mistakes and dealing with it and making you stronger. That's part of who we are. I think I'm a better person now for the experience [at Chelsea], a better coach for the experience and well rested.”