Enzo Fernandez deadline passes as Chelsea reject transfer amid Man City interest

Enzo Fernandez is wanted by new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca and Chelsea set a strict deadline for any club to meet their £120million valuation by 5pm on Friday

Chelsea expect Enzo Fernandez to remain at Stamford Bridge after their deadline for clubs to bid £120million passed without an offer. Fernandez, 25, is a top target for Manchester City with just over two weeks of the summer transfer window left.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wants to reunite with the Argentine at City, who were told alongside other interested clubs that they had until 5pm UK time on Friday to meet his valuation. But it's understood that Chelsea have not received a bid.

The Blues now expect Fernandez to be part of Xabi Alonso's squad after deadline day on September 1. City, however, don't believe the saga is over and that Chelsea would still be open to selling their vice-captain, who returned to training this week following the World Cup.

City are looking to sign a replacement for star midfielder Rodri, who's edging closer to a move to Barcelona. Another City midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, has agreed to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah in a £52m deal.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

Get YOUR Mirror Football Newsletter

Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.

To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:

2. Enter your email and hit Subscribe

Barca have made two offers for Rodri, the latest of which came in at £51m, after the 30-year-old agreed personal terms. But City held firm and turned down the proposal. Etihad chiefs are demanding £60m for Rodri, who's in the final year of his contract.

Maresca will take charge of his first competitive match as City boss on Sunday, as his side face Arsenal in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. During his pre-match press conference, the Italian said that he didn't anticipate any imminent arrivals, but reckons that City will make 'one or two' more signings before the window closes.

"For sure there are things that we need to do. How many, I don't know," Maresca admitted. "Could be one, could be two. Depends also if players leave.

"Now, in this moment 48 hours before a final - my first final in this club - I will try to win the first trophy. First of all, the transfer window is open, we can buy players and we can sell players, anything can happen ... I just saw Rodri now in the building, I gave him a big hug, he looks good so we see what happens."

Is the Enzo Fernandez saga over? Have your say in the comments section.

On Reijnders, he added: "It is not done officially, we will see in the next hours. I already spoke with him a few times in pre-season. We will see at the end if he is going to leave or going to stay.

"In the way he was playing in the pre-season games I was quite happy with his performances overall. I know Tij from Italy, from (AC) Milan when he was there, so I know him quite well.

"Probably there he was playing in a different position, he likes to play a little bit more deep than higher on the pitch. But again, in the pre-season he was good and now we see what happens and then we decide."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.