Chelsea target has no interest in joining AC Milan or Inter

Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule has confirmed AC Milan and Inter have expressed an interest in his services but he has ruled out any move to the Serie A duo.

Sule, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League since the end of last season and was reportedly even subject of a €30m (£25.1m) bid from Chelsea.

The Germany international has made an impressive start to the season with Hoffenheim and his performances have drawn interest from two of Italy’s biggest historical sides, although Sule has revealed he would reject any official offers from them.

“Milan and Inter?” Sule said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia. “I know my agent was contacted, but in my opinion a move to Italy wouldn’t make any sense.

“Milan and Inter have lost the magic which distinguished them. In the past they had great players, the clubs’ names have weight, it’s a beautiful city, the fans are passionate… but the clubs are in decline.

“Going to one of them from the Bundesliga would be a step back, as for years they’ve been struggling to qualify for Europe. I’d prefer the Premier League.”

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is still keen to sign new defenders despite the fact his side have kept clean sheets in seven of the last nine league games they have played since switching to a back three.

Sule is a profile that would certainly fit with Conte’s preferred system, having enjoyed great success in a back three with undefeated Hoffenheim this season.  In fact, of players aged 21 and under to have featured in the Bundesliga since the start of last season only four have completed more interceptions than Sule (91).

For more stats on Niklas Sule, click here to visit his WhoScored player page