Xabi Alonso gave Chelsea his backing over a shock £65m bid to sign England midfielder James Garner on transfer deadline day, according to reports.
Chelsea were working on deals for a number of midfielders on deadline day as Enzo Fernandez closed in on a move to Manchester City.
The Blues held talks with Roma for France World Cup star Manu Kone and thought they had agreed a deal with Monaco for Lamine Camara.
Progress in the Camara pursuit led Chelsea to sanction Fernandez’s move to the Etihad Stadium for a staggering £125m – the joint-highest fee paid in Premier League history.
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But talks with Monaco then broke down meaning Camara stayed put and Alonso failed to sign a replacement for Fernandez.
As well as looking at Camara and Kone, Chelsea were also linked with deadline-day moves for Alex Scott, Martin Zubimendi and Morgan Gibbs-White.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea also made a late bid for Garner but were knocked back by Premier League rivals Everton.
Garner, a product of the Manchester United academy, has made over 100 appearances for Everton since leaving Old Trafford in 2022.
The 25-year-old was handed his England debut by Thomas Tuchel earlier this season but failed to make the Three Lions’ World Cup squad.
It is claimed Alonso approved Chelsea’s move for Garner, who can play at right-back as well as in midfield, but Everton were unwilling to entertain any offers so close to the transfer deadline.
The report adds that Chelsea indicated they were willing to pay £65m for Garner but Everton told them he was not for sale on the final day of the window.
Argentina World Cup winner Fernandez was keen to join Real Madrid earlier in the summer but also approved a move to Manchester City once a switch to the Bernabeu failed to materialise.
‘Man City are the most successful club in England in recent times,’ Fernandes said. ‘Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are.
‘I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success.
‘If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player. I pride myself on continually improving my game.
‘Anyone who’s worked with me will know how hard I train every single day and how much I put into matches. I give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that will continue now I’m here.’
Fernandez could make his Manchester City debut on Saturday when newly-promoted Coventry City visit the Etihad Stadium.
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