Chelsea: Werder Bremen 'looking into' signing Papy Djilobodji following impressive loan spell

Werder Bremen are considering signing Chelsea outcast Papy Djilobodji on a permanent basis this summer. Djilobodji surprisingly moved to Stamford Bridge from Nantes in the final days of last season's summer transfer window, despite then-manager Jose Mourinho admitting he had never seen him play.

The 27-year-old's sole appearance for the Blues came in a one-minute cameo off the bench in a Capital One Cup tie, before joining Werder on loan for the remainder of the 2015-16 season in January.

The Senegal international quickly grew into a popular figure at the club, helping them maintain their place in the German top flight in his 16 appearances.

Werder said in February that if Chelsea decide to sell the centre-half they would be among the interested parties. The club's sporting director Frank Baumann now admits the Senegalese star is still on their radar.

Baumann was quoted as saying by ESPN: "He is still on our map, and we are looking into it. But there is nothing concrete yet."

Djilobodji's spell in the Bundesliga was only marred by an incident that saw him handed a three-match ban, later reduced to two, by the German Football Association. Following a clash with Mainz player Pablo de Blasis, Djilobodji appeared to run his index finger across his neck in an apparent 'cut-throat' gesture.

Following his departure from Chelsea in January, he was replaced in the squad by US youngster Matt Miazga, but it remains to be seen whether incoming manager Antonio Conte will consider him for his squad.

Chelsea had a total of 28 players out on loan last season, including Djilobodji. Brazilian midfielder Nathan has already renewed his loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem for another season, with plenty more expected to leave again in the coming months.