Chelsea turn down Kezman loan raid

Chelsea have rejected an approach from Benfica to take Mateja Kezman on loan. The Portuguese club's new manager, Ronald Koeman, wants to increase his forward options and has identified the Serbian as a potential target.

Chelsea are open to offers for Kezman but unwilling to give their players away after suffering huge losses on loan deals for Hernan Crespo and Juan Veron. It is understood they will hold out for £3.5million for Kezman, who is also a target for Birmingham and PSV Eindhoven, but that fee is likely to deter a further approach from Benfica.

Chelsea are suffering their own frustrations in the transfer market. They have already had bids turned down for Lyon midfielder Michael Essien and Kakha Kaladze of AC Milan but are confident of signing both players.

Adriano remains Jose Mourinho's first-choice striking target but Inter Milan are holding out for £40m.