Chelsea to pull out all the stops to sign Serie A star in January

Kostas Manolas is being eyed by Chelsea ahead of a January swoop

CHELSEA are preparing a move for Roma defender Kostas Manolas in the January transfer window, according to reports.

The centre-back has long been on the club's radar and reports in Italy suggested the Blues had been knocked back on deadline day.

Jose Mourinho was busy near the end of the transfer window trying to lure highly-rated Everton centre-back John Stones to the club.

 

Kostas Manolas celebrates scoring for Roma against Carpi

However, the Portuguese was left frustrated as a deal failed to materialise and the Blues instead signed Senegal international Papy Djilobodji.

The 26-year-old has yet to feature for the Premier League champions, despite their poor start defensively to the season - conceding 17 goals.

 

And it's understood Mourinho did not sanction the signing of the former Nantes defender and is reluctant to use him.

This has led to reports in Italy suggesting the Blues will make a renewed effort to sign Manolas.

 

And Calcio Mercato claim that a bid is being prepared for the Greek international who is eyed as a long-term replacement for John Terry.

Manolas has made 37 Serie A appearances for Roma since signing from Greek giants Olympiakos, scoring one goal.