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Chelsea have reportedly entered negotiations with Borussia Dortmund to sign long-term Manchester United target Jamie Gittens in a move which could prove decisive for two others players on the pay roll at Old Trafford.
The Telegraph reveals the Blues are “in talks” over a move for Gittens, 20, and want to wrap up a deal before the Club World Cup commences on June 14 .
The English winger’s contract at the Signal Iduna Park contains a release clause worth in the region of £50 million with Dortmund also keen to conclude a potential departure before the flagship tournament in America.
The report states, “Gittens, 20, was the subject of an enquiry from Chelsea in January and it is understood they have approached the German club about a deal in the current window.
“The England Under-21 winger, who spent time in Chelsea’s academy as a child, has been expected to attract bids of more than £50 million, with a release clause of around that value in his contract.”
United were linked with their own move for Gittens in the winter window with a report relayed by The Peoples Person in April indicating the Red Devils would target the Dortmund winger as a replacement for Antony this summer.
But the club’s domestic rival, Chelsea, appear ready to deal another blow to Old Trafford officials after having already won the race for another key target – Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
Chelsea’s move for Gittons could have significant ramifications for United wingers Alejandro Garnacho, who has been a target at Stamford Bridge, and Jadon Sancho, currently on loan with the Blues.
Enzo Maresca’s side are believed to be targeting a right-footed left-winger as a priority this summer, hence their pursuit of Gittons. But Garnacho, 20, was also reported to be high on their list after expressing an interest in signing the Argentinian international in January.
If Chelsea were to sign Gittons, it would effectively rule out a move for Garnacho, despite Ruben Amorim telling the academy star to “find a new club” in an explosive team meeting last month.
Similarly, Gittons’ arrival at Stamford Bridge could impact Sancho with the 25-year-old winger’s season-long loan with Chelsea coming to an end this month. United included an obligation clause in the deal, worth between £20-25 million depending on Chelsea’s final league position, which was triggered by the Blues finishing fourth this season.
However, Chelsea retain an option to cancel the deal with a £5 million penalty fee and send Sancho back to Manchester. No decision has been reached on this yet with the winger locked in negotiations with Stamford Bridge executives over wages as Chelsea will not match his current wage packet at Old Trafford.
But should another talented winger join Maresca’s squad who operates in the same position as Sancho, Chelsea’s desire for the United player to become a Blue permanently could rapidly diminish.
The Telegraph describes “uncertainty” over Sancho’s future at Stamford Bridge with a report relayed by The Peoples Person suggesting Chelsea were leaning towards paying the £5 million exit fee.
Feature image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images
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