Chelsea are reported to have stepped up their interest in two of their leading transfer targets for next season – Adriano and Joaquin.
Tusday’s exit to Liverpool in the Champions League, means they can now beging planning for next season.
Of Adriano and Joaquin, a deal for Adriano looks the most likely to be done with talks reported to have begun over a prospective deal for the Brazilian.
Inter coach Roberto Mancini is quoted as saying an offer from Chelsea, would be resisted.
“It would be a very impressive offer but a correct one considering that he is an extraordinary player,” he said.
“A large offer would be worth considering from Chelsea.
“It is also true that we could use that money to buy a host of players but really Adriano is too important for us to sell.”
Joaquin, meanwhile, seems in no hurry to quit Spain. The Real Betis winger is keen on a move to Real Madrid and their president Florentino Perez has been monitoring developments.
Other reported Chelsea for he cash-rich Premier League champions include Ashley Cole, Kakha Kaladze, Gianluca Zambrotta, Manuel Fernandes, Xavi, and Steven Gerrard.
