Chelsea caretaker boss Calum McFarlane will hope to build on his side’s FA Cup victory over Leeds United when the Blues host Nottingham Forest on Monday night.
The Englishman has been put in temporary charge of the west London club for the second time this season following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal, having previously taken charge after Enzo Maresca’s departure in January.
Ahead of the visit of relegation-threatened Forest, it has emerged that Chelsea are set to battle it out with one of their fiercest rivals in the race to sign a Premier League midfielder.
As reported by CaughtOffside, both Chelsea and Manchester United are keeping tabs on Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki.
The report claims that the Blues and the Red Devils are both monitoring the midfielder, who is one of several players to have impressed for Sunderland this term.
Sadiki could be set for a huge move this summer (Photo: Every Second Media/Alamy)
Regus Le Bris’ side have been hugely impressive since gaining promotion from the Championship last summer, and could mathematically still qualify for Europe next season.
Sadiki, 21, joined the Black Cats from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise last summer and has so far made 31 appearances during his debut season in English football.
The midfielder has impressed at The Stadium of Light, and the report claims that both Chelsea and Man United are showing interest in the DR Congo international.
Chelsea are said to have held talks with the player’s agents recently, with the Blues viewing the midfielder as a potential long-term replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Everton and Arsenal are also said to have shown interest in the player, while long-term admirers Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of landing the midfielder will depend on whether or not the Lilywhites can avoid relegation to the Championship.