Kostas Manolas' proposed £26million move from Roma to Zenit St Peterseburg was close to completion - but a late swoop from Chelsea has left their manager Roberto Mancini furious.
The Greece international was set to join the five-time Russian champions after three seasons in Rome, and the centre-back was due to arrive at Zenit for his medical on Wednesday.
But a dispute over his wages has left the door ajar for Chelsea to hijack the bid, with Antonio Conte earmarking Manolas as a potential replacement for Nathan Ake in his defensive options.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Zenit manager Mancini has been left fuming by Chelsea's late call to Manolas, in which the player was made aware of their interest.