Manchester United's hopes of signing Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund this summer have been handed a boost by Chelsea's move for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
Both Bundesliga players had been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League throughout prolific campaigns in Germany, with Sancho having had a direct hand in 33 top-flight goals while Werner is only one behind on 32.
Werner had been most strongly tipped to join Liverpool, but reports on Thursday claim that Chelsea have now triggered his £53.8m release clause and agreed personal terms.
The Blues are also expected to move for Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell, while they have already secured the signature of Hakim Ziyech ahead of next season, leading them to a likely summer outlay of well over £100m.
Chelsea do have cash in reserve having failed to sign a single player in the last two transfer windows and having sold Eden Hazard to Real Madrid last summer.
However, in the post-coronavirus market they would not be able to afford Sancho on top of Ziyech, Werner and Chilwell, eliminating one of United's main competitors in the race for the 20-year-old.
Sancho, who has also been linked with Real Madrid, is expected to cost at least £70m and may set any interested parties back more than £100m if Borussia Dortmund refuse to budge on their initial asking price.
United have decided against challenging Chelsea for the signature of Werner in order to save funds for their pursuit of number one target Sancho.
Barney Corkhill
