Chelsea Transfer News: Mattia Destro Move Scuppered, Srdjan Babic Rumours Grow

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho can effectively rule out any chance of signing Mattia Destro this winter after the Italian edged closer to Milan, but the hopes of bringing in Serbian starlet Srdjan Babic look bright.

The Rossoneri have reportedly offered to take Roma ace Destro on a six-month loan for £700,000 before buying the attacker outright this summer for £17 million, per Sky Italia (h/t Daily Star's Chisanga Malata).

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Destro was reported to be drawing the attention of Chelsea and Arsenal, but Serie A side Milan look to have taken an advantage in the hunt for his services.

Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports adds fuel to the speculation, citing Italian broadcaster Mediaset and Milan CEO Adriano Galliani as confirming Destro's move is close:

It's not a dire blow as far as rumours linking the forward to Chelsea are concerned, with Diego Costa, Lioc Remy and Didier Drogba still making up a very respectable array of Stamford Bridge strikers.

However, Julian De Martinis of ESPN FC isn't as convinced in Destro's Roma exit, putting forth the notion that the injury suffered by Shahtar Donetsk target Luiz Adriano could halt his departure:

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So if Luiz Adriano is injured, seems doubtful Roma would move for him, throwing Destro's move to Milan in jeopardy. Bated breath.

— Julian De Martinis (@JulianDM11) January 27, 2015"

Mourinho may well be planning for the future in his Destro interest, with Drogba potentially retiring when his contract expires at the end of this season and a younger pool of assets sought.

However, remaining in his native Italy may be considered a priority for the Giallorossi figure, who has five goals in 16 Serie A appearances this season.

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Following Nemanja Matic's reemergence as a key ingredient in west London, Chelsea may add further Serbian talent to their squad this winter with the acquisition of Vojvodina prospect Babic.

According to the Daily Star's Nick Lustig, Matic and Branislav Ivanovic could see their 18-year-old compatriot arrive at Chelsea this week if Serbian agent Vlado Lemic can work his magic.

The centre-back has impressed in his native land of late and earned national team honours at under-17 and under-19 level, with Chelsea said to be eager on adding him to their ranks before the winter window closes.

Bleacher Report's Garry Hayes recently examined the prospect of Real Madrid's Raphael Varane arriving at Stamford Bridge, but Babic would make for a much more modest, long-term investment:

Chelsea could face competition for the youngster, though, as Barcastuff references Spanish newspaper Sport in reporting that Barcelona also hold an interest in the teenager, who is open to the idea of a move this month:

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Barcelona are interested in Vojvodina centre back Srdan Babic (18). They've met with the Serbian, but he wants to leave this month. [sport]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) January 24, 2015"

John Terry and Gary Cahill currently reign as the first-choice central partnership under Mourinho, but Kurt Zouma has begun to win over his share of fans as a potential first-team star for the years to come.

A Babic arrival would see yet another young centre-back join the club's ranks and look to make yet another success story from a Serbian signing.