Chelsea transfer round-up: Time nearly up for Thibaut Courtois and Danny Drinkwater as Blues stand firm over Eden Hazard and Willian
Uruguay midfielder Matias Vecino has been strongly linked with the West London club, as new boss Maurizio Sarri tries to sign recruit new blood
Jake Nichol
MAURIZIO SARRI has endured a frustrating first transfer window as Chelsea manager, with Brazilian midfielder Jorginho being the only real signing of note, just before the window slams shut.
New Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has had a difficult transfer windowCredit: AFP or licensors
Striker Alvaro Morato, who signed for £70 million just last summer has also been linked with a return to the continent as Sarri tries to infuse new blood in a depleted squad.
Thibaut Courtois has informed Chelsea that he will not sign a new deal at the club
THIBAUT Courtois has rocked the Stamford Bridge hierarchy by making it clear that he will not sign a new contract in West London.
The shot-stopper is understood to favour a move to Real Madrid, to be close to his young family and puts Chelsea in an awkward situation just a week before next Thursday's 5pm transfer deadline.
MIDFIELDER Danny Drinkwater was signed from Leicester City to add much needed competition in the Blues' midfield, but has struggled to settle on the King's Road.
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Danny Drinkwater has failed to settle at Chelsea, with former club Leicester interested in signing himCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Deemed surplus to requirements at the Bridge, Drinkwater has linked with a return to former club Leicester, where he won the Premier League title in the 2015/16 season.
Everton and West Ham are also reportedly looking at the England player.
Eden Hazard suggesting he could be off, but now looks to be staying at ChelseaCredit: REUTERS
REAL Madrid's interest in playmaker Eden Hazard has cooled in recent days, giving Sarri a huge sigh of relief.
The Belgian was cryptic about his future earlier in the summer, musing: "After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different.
“Certainly, after this World Cup, I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will have the final decision. You know my preferred destination.”
Hazard is now likely to stay at Stamford Bridge as Sarri hopes to return Chelsea to Champions League football for next season.
BRAZILIAN star Willian had been set to leave the club, with interest spiking from Manchester, as Jose Mourinho sought to bring the attacker to Old Trafford.
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Willian has hinted that he will stay at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
However, despite returning late from his post-World Cup break, due to an expired passport, the midfielder made it clear that he sees his future playing in the Blue of the six-time champions of England.
Could Mateo Kovacic solve Sarri's midfield issues?Credit: Reuters
CROATIA World Cup ace Mateo Kovacic has been suggested as a player Sarri would be interested in luring to the Premier League.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing either Kovacic or Arsenal's midfield star Aaron Ramsey, who could be available on a free transfer in January.
Both would add some much needed depth to the Chelsea midfield, as last season's signings, under former boss Antonio Conte failed to adapt.
New Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri just wants to have fun at the club
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