Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has sensationally blocked the £155million transfer of Neymar, despite owner Roman Abramovich agreeing a deal
The Blues had reportedly reached a verbal agreement for the transfer of the Brazilian from Barcelona, but the Italian boss has disapproved of the potential deal
ANTONIO CONTE has reportedly turned down the chance to sign Neymar, despite Roman Abramovich agreeing a world record fee with Barcelona.
The Chelsea owner is determined to keep hold of the Italian boss who wants the club to bolster the side in the summer, but has bizarrely rejected the Brazilian trickster.
Abramovich is worried that Inter Milan pose a threat to nab Conte away from Stamford Bridge, where they will offer him the luxury of choosing his own players.
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According to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, the Blues owner reached a verbal agreement with the La Liga giants to sign the 25-year-old for an estimated £155.5million.
But the former Juventus and Italy boss would prefer to trim his squad down first before bringing in any new recruits, and doesn't believe Neymar would suit his style of play.
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Neymar has struggled in front of goal this season under Luis Enrqiue, last year he scored 31 goals in all competitions, and 39 the year before, but this campaign he has only netted on 14 occasions.
Now that Chelsea will be able to offer Champions league football again next season, it's believed they will have the pick of the players to choose from.
Chelsea sit pretty at the top of the Premier League on 69 points, ten points clear of their nearest rivals Tottenham Hotspur.