Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Newcastle United.
The Blues were beaten 5-2 by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday evening, leaving Liam Rosenior’s side facing an uphill battle to progress to the quarter-finals.
In the Premier League, however, the west London outfit ended a three-match winless run by beating fellow Champions League qualification hopefuls Aston Villa convincingly last time out.
Ahead of the visit of the Magpies, it has emerged that one of Chelsea’s transfer targets could be available this summer.
According to CaughtOffside, both Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in FC Koln forward Said El Mala.
It is claimed that the 19-year-old could be available this summer, with his current club willing to accept offers in the region of £45-55 million for the player.
El Mala has attracted interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United (Photo: DPA/Alamy)
El Mala joined Koln as a youngster and has since progressed into the first team, making 27 appearances across all competitions to date.
The Germany youth international has scored eight goals and provided four assists in that time, and the report suggests that his form has sparked interest from both Chelsea and Man United.
The report suggests that the Bundesliga outfit are aware that they will struggle to persuade the player to stay put at the club, and have therefore decided that it may be worth cashing in on the forward while his value is high.
The German is under contract at his current club until the end of the 2029/30 campaign, but it appears increasingly likely that he will depart Cologne this summer with several clubs circling.
El Mala is capable of operating across the front three, although this term he has primarily played on the left flank.