Chelsea are struggling to agree a price with Marseille for Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Mirror says new Blues boss Roberto di Matteo has had a £5million bid for Spaniard Azpilicueta turned down by his French club Marseille and are struggling to reach a deal.

The stand-off has forced Chelsea to look elsewhere as they are in danger of starting the season without proper cover at the position.

Jose Bosingwa has been released while Branislav Ivanovic, who can play right-back, is desperate to play in his preferred centre-half role.

Azpilicueta remains Chelsea's first choice and the Spanish Under-21 international wants to move to Stamford Bridge, but the European champions are having to look at other options.