Chelsea linked with defenders and speculation over Moses’ future continues

There is speculation that Chelsea are looking elsewhere for a centre-back as Everton continue to insist that John Stones is not for sale. 

Chelsea are interested in Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte, according to French media reports.

The France Under-21 international reportedly has a €50m (around £36.2m) release clause in his contract and was recently linked with a move to Manchester United.

The Mail say Paris Saint-Germain have dismissed an enquiry from Chelsea for Brazilian defender Marquinhos.

The Sunday Express claim Chelsea agreed a fee of £34m with Everton for Stones but the Merseyside club pulled out of the deal and announced the defender would be staying.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion are looking to beat West Ham to the signing of Chelsea’s Victor Moses, according to the Sunday People.

Moses has been tipped to move to east London, with the Hammers reported to have made Chelsea an offer for the winger.

But the People say West Brom are working on deals to sign Moses and QPR wide-man Matty Phillips.

Chelsea would apparently accept less than £10m for Moses, while Albion are said to have enquired about taking the player on loan but would also be ready to buy him.

The Sun on Sunday say Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will snub a transfer to Chelsea this season and wait until next summer to move.

And the Mail on Sunday say Chelsea have missed out on Aymen Abdennour, who is set to join Valencia from Monaco.

The Daily Mail last week suggested that Tunisian defender Abdennour had been targeted as an alternative to Stones and would be moving to Stamford Bridge for £15m.