CHELSEA have reportedly attempted to beat Barcelona in the transfer chase for Youssoufa Moukoko by lodging an offer for the star.
The 18-year-old first burst onto the scene at Borussia Dortmund two years ago and has caught the eye of Europe’s big boys since.
GettyChelsea have made an offer for Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko[/caption]
The forward has scored 11 goals in 59 appearances for the Bundesliga club.
And he recently featured for Germany during their disastrous World Cup campaign that ended in group stage elimination.
Moukoko is now about to enter the final six months of his contract at Dortmund and is yet to sign an extension.
Spanish outlet SPORT are claiming Chelsea have launched an £8.6million bid to snap-up Moukoko in January.
They are moving early in order to try and beat off competition from a host of teams plotting a potential free transfer swoop in June.
The report is stating that Barcelona are also keen on the talented teen and were hoping to land him for nothing.
However, their hopes have been dashed due to Chelsea’s willingness to pay a fee for him.
Dortmund do not want to lose Moukoko but are believed to be content to cash in next month rather than lose him for free.
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They have made several attempts to convince the striker to stay with them.
But Moukoko’s offers from elsewhere dwarf the package on offer from Dortmund.
And now Chelsea’s £8.6m offer could be enough to see him on the move in a matter of weeks.