Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna have rejected a bid from Chelsea for forward Yeremay Hernandez.
Chelsea have been hunting for attacking reinforcements to bring in this January, and have set their sights on young Hernandez.
The winger, 22, has been a shining light in an otherwise poor Deportivo team this season.
He has eight goals and three assists in 18 games, despite his side being 17th in the Spanish second tier.
Hernandez’ form has caught the eye of those at Stamford Bridge, who are hoping to lure him to the Premier League.
According to reports from Spain, several top European clubs are now in the hunt to sign him.
Chelsea tabled an offer of around £8.5m, but have seen their bid rejected.
Chelsea Targeting Young Winger Yeremay Hernandez
The plan behind Chelsea’s attempt to sign Yeremay Hernandez is for the youngster to be sent back out on loan immediately.
Blues owner Todd Boehly also runs Strasbourg, who are believed to be Hernandez’s intended location for the rest of the season.
But Deportivo do not want to lose a key player midway through the season, meaning Chelsea will need to stump up big cash or move on for now.
Hernandez’s current contract runs until 3030 and features a £17m release clause.
Following last week’s 1-1 draw with Malaga, the player gave little away regarding his future.
He said: “I don’t know, I’m talking to my agent.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. If I leave it will be to take a step forward.”
But his club have been firm in their stance.
Deportivo general manager, Massimo Benassi, said: “He and his agents know that the club’s position is clear.”
Bayern Munich Respond To Chelsea Interest In Mathys Tel
Aside from Hernandez, Chelsea have also been chasing Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel.
Reports have suggested a possible swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku.
But Bayern have made their thoughts very clear on the situation. Sporting director Christoph Freund has emphasised Tel remains an important player for the Bavarian outfit.
He said: “He is a very important player for us and we are in very good contact because he’s a great talent and should play an important role for us.
“We have had many discussions. Our clear goal is for Mathys to make his breakthrough with us.
“We are very happy with our squad when it comes to both quality and quantity.
“Of course, if a player is unhappy, we can talk about it. But our clear plan with Mathys is for him to make his breakthrough here.’
