Manchester United have reportedly emerged as rivals to Chelsea for the signature of Fulham linchpin Moussa Dembele.
The Belgian has just 12 months left on his contract at Craven Cottage and the Daily Mail understands that both clubs have opened talks regarding a £10m transfer.
It is believed that the Blues, who have previously been linked with a move, see the 24-year-old as an ideal replacement for Frank Lampard.
When asked about a possible move to Stamford Bridge, Dembele's agent Rodger Linse said: "It fits Moussa's ambitions perfectly to become the replacement for someone like Frank Lampard one day, just as playing in the Champions League does as well."
Dembele joined the Cottagers from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in 2010.