Newly-signed Chelsea defender Papy Djilobodji was turned down by Newcastle United and Sunderland prior to moving to the Premier League champions, according to a report.
Senegalese international Djilobodji joined Jose Mourinho's side from Nantes on a four-year deal on deadline day after the Blues gave up the chase for Everton's John Stones.
However, according to Chronicle Live, Sunderland were offered the chance to sign the 27-year-old just days earlier, while North-East rivals Newcastle were also apparently made aware of the potential for a £4m transfer.
Both clubs turned down the opportunity to follow up on a deal, and Chelsea instead swooped in to bring Djilobodji to Stamford Bridge.
