Chelsea are close to an agreement with Roma to sign France midfielder Manu Kone, but Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is trying to keep hold of the player according to Sky in Italy.
A deal worth £52m was understood to have been discussed, with talks also advancing to see winger Jamie Gittens head in the other direction on loan.
Negotiations continue for both Kone and Gittens, but Gasperini’s reluctance to let Kone go is an obstacle to overcome.
Gapserini pushed for Kone to stay when he arrived as head coach and was instrumental in securing the France midfielder’s immediate future there.
Roma are working on either AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana or Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to replace Kone.
More to follow.