AC Milan have confirmed that they have rejected an approach from Chelsea for defender Alessio Romagnoli.

The Serie A side claim the Blues bid was "in excess of €35 million" for the 21-year-old Italy Under-21 international, but that they have turned the offer down.

Antonio Conte is determined to strengthen his defensive options before the end of the transfer window, having previously declared himself unhappy at the lack of depth.

Having seemingly failed to wrap up a deal for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly, the Blues have now turned their attention to Romangnoli.

The 21-year-old Italian, who has been compared to Serie A greats such as Alessandro Nesta, joined Milan last season for a fee of £21m.