Chelsea manager Antonio Conte tried to sign Roma defender Kostas Manolas last summer but Roma made it clear he wasn’t for sale.

According to a report by Standard Sport, Chelsea have been given renewed hope in their attempt to sign Manolas after talks over a new contract with Roma broke down.

Even though Chelsea’s defence have improved lately with Chelsea keeping five consecutive clean sheets, Antonio Conte is reportedly interested in acquiring a new centre-back in January.

Manolas’ Roma contract expires in 2019 and he is currently one of Roma’s lowest paid players on less than £40,000 weekly.

Roma are reportedly willing to offer a maximum of only £41,000 weekly while Manolas wants about £50,000 weekly.