Chelsea had last-minute bid rejected for Roma defender Kostas Manolas

Follow live coverage of deadline day in the summer transfer window here

Chelsea made a last ditch attempt to sign Kostas Manolas from Roma before moving in for Papy Djilobodji, who has completed a transfer to Stamford Bridge. The Blues were primed to delve into the market in the final few days of the transfer following their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace but Jose Mourinho was deceptively quiet in his dealings, making only one signing thus far.

Tutto Mercato Web reveals that Mourinho's attempt to sign the player was rebuffed by AS Roma, who see the defender as an important piece to putting up a title challenge this season. Juventus' poor start to the season has renewed talks of a title challenge for Roma, who have won against the defending champions to put them at the bottom of the league.

Roma currently have four points from a possible six and need their best players to pull off an upset over Juventus, who have lost Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez this season, leaving them particularly short in midfield and attack. Manolas has been in brilliant form last season and with Chelsea failing to land John Stones from Everton thus far, would have been a great stop-gap option for the Blues, who have been found wanting in the defensive department.

Mourinho's side have made the worst start to a title defence campaign since Blackburn in 1995, taking only four points from a possible 12. Manchester City, on the other hand, have won their first four games and are looking to take the title on a canter, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool all failing to live up to the billing.

Chelsea reacted to their 3-0 loss to City by signing Pedrofrom Barcelona and left-back Abdul Baba Rahman from Augsburg but the duo failed to make an impact as they were beaten once again by Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on the final game day before the international break. The Blues return to the Premier League on 12 September when they take on Everton at the Goodison Park and follow that up with their first home game of the Champions League against Maccabi Tel-Aviv.