Chelsea suffer blow in quest to land new defender

Chelsea look set to miss out on centre-back Alessio Romagnoli, who is expected to put pen to paper on a new deal with AC Milan, reports Calciomercato. 

The Blues have been credited with a long standing interest in the Italy international, who has impressed on the back of his 2015 move from Sampdoria to AC Milan. 

Romagnoli's current contract expires in 2022 and AC Milan are eager to extend his stay at San Siro. 

Chelsea had been aiming to make a move for the 25-year-old, but their chances of landing Romagnoli now appear dead in the water. 

Romagnoli has started all 26 league matches for AC Milan this season and has recorded a WhoScored rating of 6.89 in the process. 

Blues boss Frank Lampard has a number of centre-back options at his disposal, yet he is looking to bring in a more experienced head at the heart of the defence. 

Chelsea elected against making a move for former defender Nathan Ake in January, despite holding a buy back clause in the Dutchman. 

And it's back to the drawing board for Lampard as he looks to shore up Chelsea's defence when the transfer window opens.