Manchester City will not consider selling Sergio Aguero to a direct rival amid speculation that Chelsea could make a shock move for the striker.
Antonio Conte is determined to strengthen his forward this summer with Diego Costa surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, but Aguero is highly unlikely to be that man.
Reports originating from Spain claim that Chelsea are preparing a £60million offer for the 29-year-old, who has struggled to cement a regular starting role at City following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus.
But while a player of Aguero’s calibre would interest the Premier League champions, Chelsea know that City would not sanction a move – even if their attacking options were to swell further with the potential arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal.
Having seen long-term target Romelu Lukaku opt to join Manchester United over a return to Stamford Bridge, Conte has turned his attentions elsewhere.
He is huge admirer of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, though AC Milan are rivalling the Blues for his signature.
Other options for Chelsea are Torino’s Andrea Belotti and Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
As reported by Standard Sport, the Bundesliga side are prepared to listen to offers in the region of £65m so long as the bid arrives by July 24, ahead of their training camp in Austria