Manchester City have maintained their interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez even after failing to submit a bid before the cut-off point Chelsea had set for last Friday at 5pm.

City will assess whether to pursue a formal offer before the transfer window closes on Tuesday September 1, having chosen not to move when Chelsea's internal deadline expired.

The expiry of that deadline means Fernandez can no longer leave Stamford Bridge under the £120m terms his representatives negotiated with Chelsea back in May. City must now negotiate fresh terms if they wish to proceed.

Boos greet Fernandez on his return

The Argentina World Cup finalist was met with jeers from sections of the Chelsea faithful when he came on as a substitute in the club's 3-1 friendly victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Fernandez was handed a two-match ban towards the end of last season after publicly casting doubt over his future while away on international duty — a period during which reports linked him with Real Madrid. The Spanish club officially ruled out any move for him in early July via a formal statement.

Man City in talks for Bouaddi

Separately, Manchester City are in active discussions with Lille over a potential deal for Morocco international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as they look to strengthen their midfield following the expected departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.

Lille are believed to be seeking around £85m for the young midfielder, and talks between the two clubs were confirmed publicly by Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti at the weekend.

Reijnders, meanwhile, is poised to complete a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah in a deal worth approximately £51m.