Monday 20 July 2015 07:20, UK
Jose Mourinho says Chelsea are looking to make one more signing this summer, but are not interested in Barcelona forward Pedro.
The Blues have bid for Everton defender John Stones but Sky sources understand their offer of £20m was rejected.
It is thought the Premier League champions will go back with an improved bid, and Mourinho has confirmed he wants to strengthen a backline that conceded the fewest goals in the league last season.
“I am looking for a defender to finish this balance in our squad and after that we are ready to answer anything that can happen to our players,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.
“If one of our players in a specific position wants to leave, we agree a deal for a player to leave and we have to answer immediately and bring in somebody else, because at the moment we have balance in the squad and we cannot lose that.”
As well as a defender, the Blues have been linked with a move for Pedro, who found his opportunities limited at Barcelona last season.
However, Mourinho said: “I have five wingers, if I lose one maybe I am interested in another but at this moment I have balance and quality and numbers.
“It’s a big challenge for us to go through the season with basically the same team and squad from last season.”
One player who will not be at Stamford Bridge next season is Mohamed Salah as he looks set to leave on loan.
The Egyptian joined in January 2014 but struggled to cement a first-team spot and spent last season with Fiorentina.
“I see his future elsewhere,” said Mourinho. “Either on loan or sold with an offer we are happy to accept. We have five wingers and it is better not to have Salah back.”
The Chelsea manager also responded to reports linking Filipe Luis with a return to Atletico Madrid, saying: “If they want him back they have to pay, they have to pay and then we have to react and go to the market to keep our balance.”
