Chelsea have failed with a stunning opening offer for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani. The Daily Mail says talks between both clubs progressed at a rapid pace and saw the Stamford Bridge club make the huge cash plus player offer.

The £40million offer was enhanced by the inclusion of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who was on loan at Atletico Madrid last season

But Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis turned down the lucrative package, telling Chelsea they will not sell Cavani for a penny less than his £53m release clause.

Discussions will continue this weekend.