According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea were never close to signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic despite Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli claiming the Blues made an attempt to sign the striker.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino together with the board weren’t convinced about the Vlahovic deal as Juventus asked for Romelu Lukaku plus €40million for Vlahovic.

Romano said: “Chelsea never wanted Vlahovic as a priority target in the summer. They had a different idea and also wanted to trust Nicolas Jackson.

“However, they were looking for solutions to get rid of Lukaku and Juventus asked for €40m plus Lukaku for Vlahovic. But for Chelsea, the only way was a straight swap with no money involved.

“Also, Pochettino together with the board was not convinced about the Vlahovic deal. The reality is that for Chelsea and Vlahovic it was never close and never a priority.”