Chelsea are plotting a last-minute bid for Roma defender Kostas Manolas, transfer market expert Emanuele Giulianelli has claimed.
The Greece international is all set to join Roberto Mancini at Zenit St Petersburg according to reports in Italy but the Blues are determined to hijack the move.
"Manolas and Zenit are negotiating over the final details, but Chelsea are ready to make a last minute bid in order to overtake the Russians," Giulianelli wrote on Tribal Football space.
"Today, Chelsea are expected to submit to Roma a last call, a last bid of €40million [£35million].
"While Zenit's offer is about €30m [£26million] - in order to take the player."
Manolas was a target for manager Antonio Conte last summer but back then he decided to stay in Italy.
