Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has spoken out on rumours linking Filipe Luis with a return to Atletico Madrid, reports the Daily Express.
The 29-year-old only joined the Blues last summer, but could be on his way out just 12 months later. He failed to dislodge Cesar Azpilicueta from the left-back spot in the starting line-up, and ended up making only 24 appearances.
With this in mind, Mourinho is unlikely to be too worried about losing the defender. Even so, a replacement who can act as a backup for Azpilicueta could be necessary with four competitions to play in the next campaign.
The Portuguese made this clear: “If Atletico Madrid want him back then they have to pay and we have to discuss the offer. If he leaves then we have to react and we have to go in the market [and find a replacement].”
SEE MORE
Chelsea transfer news
Manchester United v Chelsea squad BATTLE: Is LVG’s best XI now better than Mourinho’s?
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho backs Manchester United FLOP to silence critics
Atleti are keen on the player after he played such a key part for them in their La Liga winning season of 2013/14. The Rojiblancos also made it to the final of the Champions League that time round, and may hope that the Brazilian could help get them back to that level. Diego Simeone was only able to guide them in to third in the league and the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2014/15.
For the Blues, Augsburg star Abdul Baba Rahman could be Luis’ replacement at Stamford Bridge according to the Daily Mirror. The 21-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga and has plenty of potential to develop while acting as an understudy for Azpilicueta.