Juventus defender Daniele Rugani reportedly rejected the chance to join Chelsea this summer.

Per the Evening Standard, a £44.2 million deal was close to being agreed by both clubs.

But the 22-year-old center back decided against making the move at the last minute.

"Chelsea made a very strong push to negotiate, Juve evaluated it, but the player never asked to leave," Rugani's agent Davide Torchia told RMC Sport radio.

"His objective was to earn his place in the starting XI. Juve believed in the player and we'll discuss it during the contract renewal talks.

"It expires in 2021, so there is no urgency, but we cannot wait too long either."