Arda Turan wants to join Chelsea - despite Manchester United and Barcelona interest

Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan wants to join Chelsea - despite Manchester United reportedly making an official approach for his services.

The Turkey international is understood to favour a move to the Premier League, despite reports linking him with a move to Barcelona.

Earlier this week he moved to quash speculation surrounding a move to Barca, tweeting: “Much is being said about me, but the information published is not correct.”

According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Barcelona have backed down with their interest, with the club postponing negotiations until after the club's presidential election on July 18.

PSG were also interested in Turan, but their interest, like Barca's, has cooled as the player isn't keen on Ligue 1.

During Atletico's last meeting with Turan and his agent, the two parties agreed that his future would be decided by July 8 if the club received an offer close to his €41m (£29.3m) release clause.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is keen on his former Atleti teammate joining him at Stamford Bridge.

"It would be fantastic. Arda makes everything so much easier out on the pitch," Costa said.

"Arda, Filipe Luis and I function perfectly. And Arda is such a great person.

"He invited us to eat at his house many times, I really liked his kebab. The whole team would go round to his house for dinner."