Roma defender Kostas Manolas has reportedly entered into contract negotiations with the club despite interest from Chelsea.
Earlier this month, it was reported by the Metro that Chelsea were ready to make a £31.4m offer for the Greek international with a view of him forming the heart of their defence next season.
With John Terry’s current deal with the club set to expire in the summer, there has been no publicly shared progress in talks over a renewal and it is expected that the influential captain will move on at the end of the season.
However, Chelsea will now be forced to potentially consider their options with Corriere dello Sport, as noted by Football Italia, reporting that Manolas and his representatives have already held a meeting with Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini over a new deal.
The 24-year-old will reportedly raise his current salary and coupled with the Giallorossi having no intention of selling him, Chelsea’s hopes of signing him have certainly been handed a blow.
Having impressed in the Italian capital since his arrival in 2014, Manolas is considered one of the stronger defenders currently plying their trade in Europe.
In turn, it is no surprise that Chelsea were interested in signing him, particularly with the changes that they will likely implement in the summer, although their new coach will likely have a significant word over what happens regarding Terry and his possible successor.
Nevertheless, while Roma are seemingly against the idea of selling Manolas, the fact that the Greek defender has supposedly entered into negotiations suggests that he has no desire to leave either as he now forms an important part of Luciano Spalletti’s plans.
Conversely, if the two parties are working on the basis that he will be sold, a new contract would ultimately put Roma in a strong position this summer if they are to face bids for the their prized asset as they would then be able to demand a high transfer fee in order to part company.