Chelsea made a late £65m approach for Everton midfielder James Garner on transfer deadline day, but Everton refused to consider selling the 25-year-old as the transfer window closed.
Garner had been identified as a possible target for Chelsea, with manager Xabi Alonso understood to be keen on the former Manchester United academy player. The England midfielder can also play at right-back, adding to his appeal.
According to information revealed by talkSPORT, Chelsea were prepared to pay £65m for Garner. The club had previously been waiting for Enzo Fernandez’s transfer to be completed before making their move for the Everton player.
However, Everton were unwilling to entertain any offers for Garner during the final hours of the window. Chelsea’s attempt therefore ended without an agreement, despite their willingness to meet the reported valuation.
The approach came as Chelsea considered strengthening their midfield options, but their late interest could not persuade Everton to part with one of their key players.
Chelsea also face competition from Liverpool if they decide to revive their interest in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
Camara had been expected to join Chelsea on deadline day in a deal worth £47m. Chelsea and Monaco had reached an agreement over the transfer, but Monaco subsequently withdrew from the arrangement, leaving the move uncompleted and causing frustration at Stamford Bridge.
talkSPORT has also learned that Liverpool have contacted Camara’s agent to register their interest in signing the 22-year-old Senegal international next summer.
Liverpool view Camara as a potential successor to Alexis Mac Allister, who could leave Anfield after the season. Mac Allister’s father has recently rejected widespread reports that the Argentina midfielder could move to Manchester City in the summer.
He insisted that his son would remain at Liverpool, while Mac Allister’s current contract runs until the summer of 2028.
The collapse of Camara’s proposed move to Chelsea has already angered the club, and the possibility of the player joining Liverpool would add to their disappointment. Chelsea may now have to compete with their Premier League rivals if they return for the Senegal international in the next transfer window.
Garner’s situation is different, with Everton having made clear that they were not prepared to negotiate over his future as the deadline approached. Chelsea’s £65m offer was consequently rejected, leaving the midfielder at Goodison Park.
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