AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli has declared that he is happy to stay with the Serie A club after rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea.
The Sunreported that the Blues were ready to approach the Italian giants with a £49m bid in the January transfer window, but it seems that the centre back has no intention of leaving Italy.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Mediaset Premium, viathe Express, Romagnoli said:I am happy at Milan and in Italy, so I hope to remain here."
It's a blow for Antonio Conte who seems keen to improve his defensive options, despite three successive Premier League clean sheets.
His switch to a back three could well have meant that Romagnoli would be the perfect fit at the back for Chelsea, although both David Luiz and Gary Cahill have improved in recent weeks alongside Cesar Azplicueta.
Conte has also been linked with Burnley defender Michael Keane, but Clarets manager Sean Dyche has categoricallydismissed any chance of the 23-year-old leaving the club.
"It's just life at Burnley," he said,via theDaily Mail. "It's that balance of respect that people recognise some of our players but also were we're not actively selling players.
"Keano's been really clear-minded through the summer. He is not for sale."
It seems that Chelsea may have to look elsewhere if they are to continue their search for a centre back, after two setbacks from what appeared to be their main targets.
On the other hand, Conte may well settle with what he's got, especially with the improved showings following his switch of system.
.