According to reports from The Daily Star this morning, Chelsea have ‘opened talks’ with Zenit St. Petersburg regarding the availability of commanding centre-back Ezequiel Garay.
The 28 year-old came close joining Manchester United in summer 2013 until then-Red Devils boss David Moyes pulled the plug at the last minute.
The former Real Madrid and Benfica star went on to join Zenit instead and has since become one of the flagship talents in the Russian top flight, whilst also featuring prominently for Argentina at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
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He’s re-emerged on the Old Trafford radar in recent weeks whilst Arsenal are also believed to be considering a bid for the 6 foot 1 centre-half.
But according to The Daily Star, who cite reports from Sky Italia, it’s Chelsea who have begun negotiations over a potential deal – viewing Garay as a last-minute alternative to John Stones after seeing three bids rejected for the Everton defender.
They’ve also been linked with Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane this week but a successful bid for Garay seems far more likely at this late stage of the summer transfer window.