Chelsea's efforts to land a world-class centre-back have been stunted after Zenit St. Petersburg told the Blues that Ezequiel Garay is not for sale, while Besiktas have raised their interest in fringe midfielder John Obi Mikel.
According to Jason Burt of the Telegraph, Russian Premier League champions Zenit have no interest in selling their Argentina international, who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Burt details Garay is an alternative for Jose Mourinho's side should they be unsuccessful in their bid to land Everton's John Stones, who handed in a transfer request on Monday as he seeks to secure a move away.