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Santos president Modesto Roma says he held talks with Chelsea in London this week “to build up relationships” between the clubs.
Chelsea are keen to buy Santos midfielder Thiago Maia for £15m.
Roma admits he also met with officials from Manchester United and Atletico Madrid but claims a transfer of Maia or another of the club’s prize assets, striker Gabriel Garbosa, was not discussed.
He said: “We had productive conversations. We didn’t come to buy or sell players, neither in London or Madrid. We came to build up relationships."
However, Chelsea see Maia as a midfielder with great potential for the future and are expected to make a bid for the 19-year-old before the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the Blues have dropped a major hint they expect to sign another striker before the end of the month after agreeing to send Bertrand Traore on loan to Ajax.
Chelsea have been in talks with Ajax over the last 48 hours about a season-long deal and are set to confirm Traore is joining the Dutch club.
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Chelsea players facing an uncertain future
