Premier League champions Chelsea are leading talks to sign Ghana defender Baba Rahman from FC Augsburg in Germany’s Bundesliga.
Manager José Mourinho wants Rahman to replace Atletico Madrid-bound Brazil international Filipe Luís, who has struggled at Stamford Bridge. The 21-year-old will cost the Blues around £14m.
Italian champions Juventus have also indicated that they are ready to make a bid along with Roma.
Augsburg are holding out for a fee of €25m (£17.5m), although they are likely to accept slightly less for a player who joined them from Greuther Fürth only last summer. Out of favour Egyptian, Mohamed Salah, who Mourinho clearly doesn’t rate highly, could be a factor in any deal that is eventually done.
The London club are also said to be willing to include long-term loanee, Nigeria international Victor Moses, as a makeweight to land Everton defender John Stones. Everton manager Roberto Martinez has already poured scorn on Mourinho’s initial £20m bid.
The player is said to be interested in the move to London, but Everton are believed to be holding out for £30m. Chelsea may be willing to table a £26m plus Moses bid to get the deal done.
