Bologna reject €20m Chelsea, Manchester City bids for midfielder - report

Last month we reported Chelsea's interest in defensive midfielder Amadou Diawara. Since then, the 18-year-old Bologna player continued his impressive form and according to Corriere di Bologna - via Football Italia - the Rossoblu even rejected €20 million (approximately £14.4 million in current exchange rates) bids from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City for him.

The newspaper reports Bologna's management believe the player will be more valuable over time, claiming his impending transfer fee might be a "record figure" for the team. To hold onto the player for longer, the club will meet Diawara's representatives to discuss his career plans as well as a new contract.

Diawara already has 12 starts and 16 total appearances for Bologna this season, as they hold onto 15th place in the Serie A after ending Napoli's 18-match unbeaten run in the league in a 3-2 win last weekend. Given the hefty bids and his performances, it looks like the defensive midfielder wouldn't necessarily be "Loan Army" material if we do manage to sign him.