Chelsea have had a bid of around £34 million rejected for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, according to reports.
Sky Sports reported on Thursday evening that the Blues are willing to pay up to that price for the French striker, but had seen a first bid knocked back by the Ligue 1 club.
The claims come after the French club had released a statement over the future of their striker, making it clear where they stand on a possible transfer during January.
“Olympique Lyonnais has taken note of certain information relayed by the media suggesting that Moussa Dembele could interest other clubs during this transfer window," it read.
“OL would like to reaffirm its wish, as in the summer of 2019, to keep Moussa Dembele.
“The club has full confidence in Moussa and counts in particular on him to build a successful team for the seasons to come.”
However, speculation around the player continues with Chelsea the most heavily linked in recent days.
Frank Lampard is searching for competition in the strikers position, with Olivier Giroud likely to leave the club in January and speculation over the future of Michy Batshuayi.
As the reports of a failed bid broke, Chelsea fans took to social media to give their thoughts, and many have sent a message to Lampard over the move.
Dembele has scored 10 goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season.
