And though it sounds like we may yet continue talks over Gittens, in the latter’s case, we are walking away — or at least making as if we were walking away. After all, Maignan has just one year left on his current contract, and Milan would be the sure losers in any sort of waiting game here.

Chelsea are not expected to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan before tonight's first summer transfer deadline. The Blues were hoping to secure Maignan ahead of the Club World Cup, and the France No1 has made clear his desire to make the move.

Before the start of the transfer window, Liverpool identified their targets and ruthlessly set about signing them. Manchester City could also have at least two new players before this evening’s temporary closure of the transfer window. Chelsea need to look at both clubs and see how they fell so far behind.