Chelsea step forward in De Ligt pursuit, Juventus won't accept Bayern's player-plus-cash offer (reliability: 5 stars)

Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, as per Goal Italia.

The club are in constant contact with Juve as well as De Ligt's agent Rafaela Pimenta. Juve are only willing to accept a straight cash deal so they can reinvest in their squad.

Bayern's interest in the player is serious and they have already offered a player-plus-cash deal that includes Benjamin Pavard going the other way.

Juventus have no intention of accepting that offer and will be holding out for that straight cash deal.