Seire A giants join Besiktas in race for Chelsea defender

Paris Saint-Germain's Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (L) reacts in front of Nantes' Senegalese defender Papy Djilobodji during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Nantes at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on December 6, 2014. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Lazio have joined Besiktas in the race to sign Chelsea’s out-of-favour defender Pappy Djilobodji.

The Serie A side are preparing a loan move for the 26-year-old according to the Express.

Besiktas are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Djilobodji according to the Istanbul based club’s former Sporting Director Sinan Engin.

Engin stated live on Beyaz TV’s ‘Beyaz Futbol’ show that Besiktas have agreed personal terms with the centre back and that the transfer is likely to be completed in January.

Djilobodji joined  Chelsea from the French side Nantes but is yet to make a league appearance for the Blues.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho recently stated that the decision to sign the Senegal international was not his choice.

“It was not my choice. It was the choice of somebody I trust completely,” Mourinho was quoted as saying by the Independent.

“I don’t know every player. My job doesn’t allow me to travel, doesn’t allow me to spend hours and hours watching players.”

Beşiktaş are currently second in the league with 29 points in 13 games.

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