CONFIRMED – Chelsea Table Bid For Man United Target £40m Marquinhos

It was at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are always known to be formidable. And for most Chelsea fans, “it’s either we win or draw”, however that was not the case yesterday.

The Premier League champions endured yet another humiliating defeat after an abysmal performance from the team on Saturday afternoon as Crystal Palace defeated them 2-1. Jose Mourinho’s milestone was also ruined, as the Portuguese boss was playing his 100th home game for the Blues. It appears the self-acclaimed Special one knew since the inception of the season that the defence was porous, hence, his relentless pursuit of John Stones.

With Everton not yielding after several bids, Mourinho’s side went ahead to make an inquiry for Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, with the transfer window now two days away from closing. But the Blues were immediately knocked back in their pursuit of the player.

As per the Telegraph’s Jason Burt, Chelsea’s inquiry for Marquinhos was rebuffed by the Paris outfit. [JBurtTelegraph] tweeted: “I’m told that reports in France that Chelsea been knocked back with an inquiry for PSG defender Marquinhos are true. Clock ticking…”

This news will further demoralise the spirits in the camp of the Blues whose defence has leaked in 9 goals already in four Premier League games this term. Last season, Chelsea lost only three games in all competitions and now they have lost two.

Mourinho blamed himself and three other unnamed players after the defeat yesterday, saying it was his own fault for leaving especially one out of those three for 90 minutes. However, many have suggested that the one the former Real Madrid boss is talking about is his vice captain Branislav Ivanovic. The Serbian has been found out of position in all of the Blues’ four games this season and he has been ran ragged by any winger who had come face to face with him. The Serbian seems to be the weak link in the Chelsea defence, and Mourinho has hinted there could be a change after the international break.

New signing from Augsburg Baba Rahman could start against Everton on September 12, with make-shift left-back returning to his primary role to dislodge Ivanovic at right-back.

Marquinhos could still sign for the Blues as anything can still happen between now and Tuesday. But Chelsea have other alternatives too if Everton succeed to resolutely hold on to Stones.