Chelsea target Morata ‘happy’ in Madrid

‘Tis the season. With Premier League action over until August, the transfer rumour mill is in overdrive as England’s top clubs are linked with several of Europe’s biggest stars and talented up-and-comers.

Chelsea’s interest in out-of-favour Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is one story that refuses to go away – but the 24-year-old has dealt the Blues’ hopes of landing his signature a blow.

After winning the Champions League for the first time on Saturday (having returned to the Bernabeu from Juventus last summer), the Spain international insists he is happy with Los Blancos despite playing second fiddle to Karim Benzema most of this term.

Morata scored 20 goals in all competitions for Madrid this season, despite only starting 13 La Laga matches under Zinedine Zidane, but Chelsea manager Antonio Conte may be forced to look elsewhere for a new front man.

“I don’t know anything about [any interest in me],” said Morata. “I read these things in the papers but don’t know anything about them.

“To go back to Madrid again and win the Champions League is incredible.

“I think that it doesn’t depend so much on me if I want to stay, I am happy here, my dream is to be here and right now I’m not thinking about anything but celebrating.

“This is a team. Here we are 23, we have won together, we lose together and there’s no need to think individually. If not, I would have to play tennis.”