Why were Chelsea interested in this Danish defender

Aston Villa completed the signing of Ivorian born Danish defender Jores Okore few days back. Having completed the switch Okore claimed that he was approached by the Europa League champions Chelsea but he opted to join Paul Lambert’s side.
Villa reportedly agreed the deal with FC Nordsjaelland for a sum of around 5 million euros. Perhaps Okore thought the grass was not going to be green at Stamford Bridge with a lot of competition so he preferred to join Villa. The question is, why were Chlesea interested in this Danish defender. Is he really that good?
Okore told Sporten.dk

“I have a good feeling it was the right decision to turn down Chelsea”

Last season, Chelsea and FC Nordsjaelland were in the same group of the Champions League and the blues battered the opponents in both the fixtures. 4-0 in October and then 6-1 at Stamford Bridge in December.
Okore did not even play in the 6-1 humiliation whereby Torres scored a brace in Benitez’s first and only Champions League game in charge for the blues.
However, the Danish defender was the only shining star in Chelsea’s 4-0 thrashing. Even when the entire defense was collapsing, Okore had an impressive outing.
Early in the match Moses could have easily tapped the ball in the net but Okore bravely intervened and saved the goal. In that process, the defender got himself injured, played through pain and still was an inspirational figure. Was comfortable on the ball, defended with authority and was superb throughout the game.
Villa will benefit from his combination of pace and strength next season. Chelsea are in the market for several players and Okore could have been the perfect defender. Nevertheless, Mourinho has enough funds to buy a quality defender this summer.
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