Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam has turned down a new contract amid interest from Chelsea.

The Blues want to strengthen their defence this month and are keeping an eye on the 25-year-old Algeria full‑back.

Napoli have offered to double Ghoulam’s wages to £30,000 a week but his agent has told the club his client wants £40,000 a week and says any deal should have a £34million buy-out clause.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has yet to agree to a clause but is ready to increase the wages offer by another £5,000 a week.

If Ghoulam stays and no new contract is agreed he could leave in the summer as he will have only one season left on his deal.

Napoli have already rejected an approach from Bayern Munich while Paris St Germain are also interested.

Ghoulam’s participation in this month’s Africa Cup of Nations could hinder any move while Chelsea have had difficulties dealing with Napoli given their failed pursuit of centre‑half Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer.

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