Chelsea have tabled a bid for Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie.

The Daily Star says they have failed with a bid worth £27m for Kessie.

Chelsea offered £21m up front, rising to £27m with add-ons, but it has been rejected by the Serie A outfit.

Kessie, 20, is wanted by a whole host of top Premier League clubs, according to the player's agent.

George Atangana last month said that the Blues, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all wanted to sign his client.

But Atalanta are keen to keep hold of their star man until the summer at least in the hope that his value will only rise.