Chelsea have been left frustrated holding onto Willian, it has been revealed.

Chelsea expected to sell the Brazil midfielder to Barcelona this week, only for the Catalans to break off talks and swoop for Bordeaux winger Malcom.

Mundo Deportivo says upon learning of Barca's plans, Chelsea made a desperate call to offer Willian at a reduced price. They had been demanding €70m, but slashed their valuation to urge Barca to sign the midfielder.

But Barca were already well down the road to sign Malcom and so rejected Chelsea's fresh attempts.

Given their stand, it's now expected Chelsea will encourage Manchester United to return to the negotiating table for Willian.