---
title: "Man Utd rival Chelsea for Kostas Manolas"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/06/30/man-utd-rival-chelsea-kostas-manolas/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Abdullah Mulla"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-06-30T14:24:41Z"
modified: "2017-06-30T14:24:41Z"
---

# Man Utd rival Chelsea for Kostas Manolas

Chelsea are back in the race to sign Roma defender Kostas Manolas along with Premier League rivals Manchester United after the player’s transfer to Russian side Zenit broke down, according to a report on [InsideFutbol](https://www.insidefutbol.com/2017/06/30/chelsea-and-manchester-united-see-opportunity-to-sign-roma-star/341675/).

The defender looked set to join the Russian giants after they agreed a £26m fee with Italian club Roma but the defender could not agree personal terms with the club and failed to turn up for his medical.

![Paolo Bruno/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/507592198.jpg)

Zenit were always being challenged by Chelsea for his signature and it seemed that the Russian club came out on top after Roma agreed to sell the player to them but now Chelsea are back in the mix for his services.

The Premier League champions are yet to make a concrete offer for Manolas but the Greek International wants a move away from the Serie A club.

The 26-year-old centre-back has impressed Chelsea manager Antonio Conte who will be desperate to beat rival manager Jose Mourinho to the signature of Manolas as the Italian boss looks to strengthen his defensive unit following the departure of long-serving defender and captain John Terry.

![Paolo Bruno/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/490125132.jpg)

Conte wants to successfully defend his Premier League crown and also wants to challenge Europe’s finest teams in the UEFA Champions League and to do this he feels that he has to strengthen his defence.