Chelsea are reportedly set to take on Manchester United in the race to sign £25m-rated Anderlecht youngster Youri Tielemans.
The 19-year-old has been gaining interest for some time and is considered one of the top young players in Europe, with his performance against United in the Europa League last week impressing many.
However, while the Red Devils saw him first hand and could launch a bid to prise him away from the Belgian outfit this summer, The Express claim that Chelsea sent scouts to watch him and are hopeful of stealing a march on their Premier League rivals.
It’s added that Tielemans would command a transfer fee of £25m+, while Inter, Juventus, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain are all keen on the midfield ace too which could set up a real transfer war this summer with Europe’s finest aiming to land one of the next big potential stars.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to make their bid first though, but with a contract until 2020 in place and with such interest in Tielemans, Anderlecht should be able to play this out well and get much more than the suggested asking price.
What is clear is that Chelsea and United both need improvements in that department of their respective squads, with the Belgian ace scoring 18 goals and providing 12 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
Naturally the step up to the Premier League would be difficult for him, but both United and Chelsea will have to make a call as to whether they believe he would cope with the challenge or struggle to live up to expectations.