Chelsea turn down £50m bid for Jose Mourinho favourite

Chelsea have turned down a £50million bid from Barcelona for Willian, according to a report.

The Brazil winger’s representatives have been in Barcelona, according to the Daily Mail, although they report Chelsea have so far shown no willingness to sell the 29-year-old.

Barca are looking to add some depth to their squad this summer and the are believed to want Willian to link up with fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho.

The tabloid also report Manchester United have “posted an interest” in the player, who Jose Mourinho tried to sign in January.

Chelsea resisted despite Antonio Conte preferring to use Willian sparingly, but the Manchester Evening News recently confirmed Mourinho is still keen on a reunion with the player this summer.

Mourinho, who managed Willian at Chelsea, is a big fan of the winger, who scored 13 goals last season.

In April, Mourinho, who tried to sign winger Ivan Perisic last summer, suggested that he would like to add a Brazilian to his squad this summer.

But in an interview with ESPN, he said he doubted that Roman Abramovich would sell to their arch rivals.

He said: “I worked with Brazilian players in every team I coached, and I enjoyed [them] a lot, everything they can give and also every problem they can create!

“But honestly, I enjoyed a lot, and who knows we can have a Brazilian in the squad next year.

“I don’t believe it will be Willian, because Chelsea won’t make it possible.”

Willian is under contract until 2020, but with the player turning 30 in August they may decide to cash in on him with United reportedly prepared to pay in excess of the £50m bid by Barca.