Jamie Gittens twist: Chelsea receive transfer message after hijack attempt

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed they aren’t in talks with Bayern Munich over a summer deal for Jamie Gittens.

The England U21 international has agreed personal terms with Chelsea over a seven-year contract, but Bayern are interested in hijacking his proposed move to Stamford Bridge by submitting an opening offer for his services.

However, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has confirmed that he isn’t in negotiations with Bayern chief Max Eberl over a deal for Gittens, despite reports to the contrary.

“I’m not currently in contact with Max,” Kehl told Sport1 (via BuliNews). “We know each other and value one another. But at the moment, there’s nothing more to say on the matter.”

Furthermore, The Evening Standard have insisted that Gittens remains Chelsea’s priority transfer target, despite Bayern’s attempt to hijack the deal.

Enzo Maresca’s side are yet to agree a transfer fee for the 20-year-old, but they are set to return with a third offer following the conclusion of the Club World Cup, after failing with a €50 million bid in early June.

Gittens is eager to join Chelsea this summer, as per multiple reports, and a deal is widely expected to be formalised next month, despite Bayern’s interest.

Chelsea’s alternative options

In addition to Gittens, Chelsea are also interested in signing Malick Fofana, but Sacha Tavolieri has revealed they are set to face significant competition from Liverpool in their pursuit of Olympique Lyonnais winger – whose asking price currently stands at €70m.

Bradley Barcola is wanted by Chelsea too, although Paris Saint-Germain have rebuffed an initial approach as the Frenchman is seen as a key player by the hierarchy at the Parc des Princes, as per L’Equipe.

Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke and Tyrique George are the three wingers currently available to Maresca, following Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping suspension and Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United, while Estevao Willian will join that roster after his participation at the Club World Cup with Palmeiras.

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