Chelsea transfers: No offer for Max Meyer, says Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has rubbished reports that Chelsea have tabled a bid for Max Meyer – but the Blues boss admits he does admire the Schalke midfielder.

The 18-year-old was a second-half substitute in a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday night after playing 78 minutes against the Blues in the reverse fixture in Germany.

Schalke boss Jen Kellers has already started the youngster in three Bundesliga games this season, with the midfielder having made a further two appearances from the bench, scoring three goals and making one assist.

Chelsea have been linked with a €15m (£12.5m) bid for the playmaker, but Mourinho denied that the Blues have made a bid for the German.

“I admire, I watch, [but] I don’t need [Meyer]. It’s not true. I admire, I like, I don’t need. Clearly,” Mourinho said.

When pressed further, Mourinho pointed to the attacking midfielders that he already has at his disposal, including Oscar, Juan Mata, Willian and Meyer’s compatriot Andre Schurrle.

“Yes [Meyer has a massive reputation]. But Oscar too, Mata too, Willian too, Schurrle too. I don’t need. The football market is about buying what you need and I don’t need,” he added.

What does Mourinho want the most? The 50-year-old has his heart set on picking up three points against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

He said: “In this moment, I need to win tomorrow.”