Chelsea Transfer News: Alex Sandro Saga Continues, Latest Summer Rumours

Juventus will reportedly turn down an improved offer of as much as €70 million to keep hold of Alex Sandro in the latest report of a transfer saga that has been going on for weeks.

Chelsea have been linked with the Brazilian full-back for some time now, with rumours and speculation rampant since well before the start of the transfer window.

According to Calciomercato.com's Nicola Balice (via Edo Dalmonte), the Blues are now ready to offer as much as €70 million for the former Porto man, a fee that would smash the record for a defender, but the Italian champions are desperate to keep him in Turin and won't sell.

It's easy to see why the Bianconeri are reluctant to part with the 26-year-old, per WhoScored.com:

Sandro has established himself as one of the best two-way full-backs in the world in the last two seasons and has experience in a variety of formations. Juventus have used him in a variation of the 3-4-3 system Chelsea manager Antonio Conte prefers, explaining why the Blues have such a strong interest.

Convincing Juve to sell could be next to impossible, however. The Old Lady already watched Leonardo Bonucci depart for Milan―they won't want to move a second star defender in the same window and have no need for the extra finances that would come with a sale.

The Serie A season will start on August 20 and Juventus have prepared for the new campaign with Sandro firmly in their plans, further complicating a move.

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Meanwhile, Belgian paper Het Nieuwsblad (via the Daily Star's Alex Wood) reports Inter Milan have no intention of selling young defender Zinho Vanheusden, despite advances from Liverpool and interest from Chelsea.

The Belgian teenager is regarded as one of the brightest stars in Inter's academy, and Reds scouts have taken note of his talent. Manager Jurgen Klopp is said to have opened talks with the Nerazzurri, but the Italians have made it clear Vanheusden is not for sale.

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The 18-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, has been training with Inter's first team and seems primed to play a role on the senior level this season. He left Belgium in 2015 to learn the finer nuances of defending in Italy and has only stood out since then.

Vanheusden profiles as a great prospect who needs plenty more seasoning, and Klopp has a tremendous reputation for nurturing talent. With his contract running out in 2019, Inter are expected to give him opportunities this season and use that playing time to convince him to sign a new deal.