Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League club Chelsea, who will look to activate a release clause in his contract.
Having brought in fellow defenders Antonio Rudiger and Emerson Palmieri from Roma over the past 12 months, the Blues are keen to return to the Stadio Olimpico to reinforce their back line.
Manolas has a €35 million release clause inserted in a new contract signed in December 2017, and Chelsea are ready to trigger this, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Roma sporting director Monchi considers the Greece international to be a key figure in his plans for the Giallorossi however, and the capital club are keen to retain him.
Monchi remains confident that Manolas is satisfied with his status at the Stadio Olimpico and would be willing to reject a move to West London, but Roma have lined up an alternative in the event that the former Olympiakos defender does depart.
Indeed, Lens centre-back William Banda has landed on the Lupi’s radar and they have been closely monitoring the Frenchman with a view to bringing him in, regardless of Manolas’ decision.
Manolas has scored seven goals in 171 appearances for Roma since joining in 2014, including the crucial third goal in a sensational 3-0 victory over Barcelona in April. The goal secured the club’s passage into the Champions League semi-final, where they ultimately lost to Liverpool.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com