Valencia have turned down a bid of £32million from Chelsea for their Portuguese international Andre Gomes.
That’s according to Sky Sports, who believe that the La Liga side are still willing to sell the midfielder, but value him at around £40million.
Yet, while that suggests the deal isn’t dead, it could well be the end of Chelsea’s interest all the same.
The same source indicates that the Blues are refusing to be held to ransom and may now move on to other targets, as he is clearly not one of Antonio Conte’s priorities.
Conte is now likely to up the ante in his bid to bring Roma’s Radja Nainggolan to west London.
It would be difficult to complete a deal soon anyway as Gomes is with Portugal at Euro 2016 and featured in their opening 1-1 draw against minnows Iceland.
As a central midfielder, he plays in a similar position to Nemanja Matic, so while Gomes might not be on his way to Stamford Bridge, this could be yet another indication that Matic is heading for the exit, with Manchester United reportedly his favoured destination.
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