Chelsea held a 'genuine' interest in Memphis Depay and 'explored' the possibility of tempting the Barcelona star to Stamford Bridge on deadline day, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Blues sealed the acquisitions of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria in the final moments of the summer window, but they failed to welcome Depay to west London.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

What's the latest news involving Depay?

There has been uncertainty over Depay’s long-term future as he has entered the final 12 months of his £230,000-per-week Barcelona contract.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed the La Liga giants had agreed to terminate the striker's deal as long as he was able to find another club.

It appeared that a move to the Premier League could be on the cards as respected Spanish journalist Gerard Romero revealed Chelsea emerged as a possible destination for Depay just hours before last Thursday's deadline.

Journalist Simon Phillips also told GIVEMESPORT that the 28-year-old had been on Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel's radar throughout the summer.

However, Depay ended speculation over his future less than an hour before the transfer window slammed shut as he confirmed he had opted to remain with Barcelona.

What has Dean Jones said about Depay?

Jones understands that Chelsea were keen on luring Depay to Stamford Bridge and inroads were made behind the scenes.

Although the Blues were frustrated by his decision to stay at the Nou Camp, the journalist is aware that their interest was real.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Memphis was one they explored for a lot of the day and they had to wait on his decision.

"Obviously, that came quite late in the day, but that was an ongoing saga which was genuine."

Would Depay have been a good signing for Chelsea?

Some Chelsea supporters may feel they have dodged a bullet by failing to sign Depay as he only scored seven goals in 53 appearances for Manchester United.

That emphasises the 80-cap Netherlands international struggled to adjust to the rigours of English football, but there is no doubt that he has been a success elsewhere.

Depay has found the back of the net 146 times over the course of his senior club career and chalked up a further 93 assists.

With Romelu Lukaku joining Inter Milan on a season-long loan and Timo Werner returning to RB Leipzig for £25.3million, Depay could have been an exciting addition even though Aubameyang also made the switch from Barcelona.