Kostas Manolas has been one of the most highly regarded centre backs from the last season and has been one of the mainstays in the defence for the Italian club AS Roma. He has been as solid as a rock in the backline for the Serie A outfit and has played a pivotal role for them to make them finish amongst the top three on the League table last term.
The Greek centre-back has been eyed by a number of big name clubs from all over Europe and has been linked with a move out of the Italian capital. Reportedly, the reliable defender has already agreed to make a switch to the Russian club Zenit St Petersburg for a deal which amounts to a reported £30 million.
However, there has been a very late interest coming in from current Premier League champions Chelsea, who are in dire need of a centre-back in the wake of the fact that their legendary centre-back John Terry has left the side at the end of the last season. This has irked a new twist in the transfer saga for the in demand Greek defender, which has already been in news for a denial at the eleventh hour from the centre back himself over the personal terms regarding the transfer fee.
As per reports, Manolas has demanded the amount to be paid to him to be in Euros rather than the Russian currency Rouble due to its less stable nature. This has put the move in jeopardy and has made the Roma defender pull out of a medical which was scheduled to take place yesterday in Russia.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have burst into the scene to take advantage of the turmoil at the eleventh hour and are looking to make a swoop for the Greek centre back to bring him into their side to strengthen it for the next season, as they will be facing some of the top teams in Europe. However, Roma has said that they will not let go of their prized possession anywhere until the proposed fee is paid in full to them.
Manolas has been one of the best defenders to arrive in the European club football scenario in the last few seasons. With his sturdy 6 ft 2 inches frame, the defensive beast has the much needed towering presence in the centre of defence to keep his opponents at bay effectively and also score goals with headers from corners and free kicks.
