Chelsea manager confirms contact with midfielder after Real Madrid denies interest

Chelsea's new manager confirmed he has spoken with the midfielder after Real Madrid issued a statement denying interest in the player. The manager said the conversation took place but declined to share details. The player has been with Argentina at the World Cup and has not yet met the manager in person.

Club activity Chelsea completed the sale of a left-back to Real Madrid for an initial £47.4 million. On Monday afternoon the club confirmed the £48 million transfer of a midfielder to Manchester United. The manager also stated that another player has drawn interest from other clubs and that discussions have taken place with the club's sport directors.

Squad changes A player returning from a loan spell will join the squad for an upcoming tour in Asia. The manager said the player will be assessed along with the rest of the group.