10 Footballers Who Rejected Chelsea

Another world-class centre back eyed as a potential successor to the ageing John Terry, speculation was rife that Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos had reportedly become unsettled at Los Blancos after a contract dispute, and was considering a move to England.

Ramos had long been linked with Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure as manager, but by the time 2015 came around it was Chelsea who emerged as the preferred destination of the World Cup-winning defender.

Despite a tumultuous period in charge of the Spanish giants, Jose Mourinho had reportedly enjoyed a good relationship with Ramos, and hoped that he could capitalise on the Spaniard's discontent by bringing him to West London.

Ultimately though, the signing proved to be a bridge too far, with Ramos quickly resolving his issue with then Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after being made captain, and offered a bumper new contract, with Chelsea going on to make a decidedly less glamorous move by signing robust but unspectacular centre back Michael Hector from Reading.