Monchi: 'No Chelsea approach for Kostas Manolas'

Roma sporting director Monchi has denied that the Italian club have received an offer from Chelsea for Greek centre-back Kostas Manolas.

Manolas has made 171 appearances in all competitions since joining Roma from Olympiacos in 2014, and has been linked with a number of clubs over the last couple of seasons.

Arsenal reportedly tried and failed to sign the Greece international during the January transfer window, and Chelsea have since been linked with a move.

The Blues are said to be ready to pay Manolas's £31.5m release clause, but Monchi has insisted that Roma are yet to receive an approach.

"I've spoken to Kostas three or four times, he enjoys my job and might make a decent director of football himself!" Monchi told reporters. "He's happy with the team and wants to stay. I've read that Chelsea want to pay the buy-out clause, but I haven't heard anything. I feel calm."

The 27-year-old scored the goal that knocked Barcelona out in the quarter-finals of last season's Champions League.