CHELSEA have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens, according to reports.
The Blues are looking to add a winger to Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer and the Englishman is a top target.
Sky Sports Germany claim the club have been in contact with Gittens’ representatives.
The 20-year-old takes home £2.5million-a-year at Dortmund and Chelsea are said to be willing to double his wages.
Gittens has been valued at £80m in the past but the latest report suggests a fee could be agreed between £43m and £51m.
The England Under-21s international started the season in stunning form and has scored 12 goals in 44 games.
But he has fallen out of favour under, Niko Kovac, who took over as Dortmund boss in January.
Gittens could therefore decide to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and return to his homeland with Tottenham also interested.
But staying put is not out of the question as the player’s reps have also been in talks with Dortmund chief Lars Ricken over his future.
If Gittens joins Chelsea, it would see him return to the club he spent a short time with as a schoolboy.
The Berkshire-born ace eventually decided to stay with Reading before joining Manchester City’s academy aged 14.
He then moved to Dortmund two years later and made his senior debut at the age of 17 years and 251 days.
As alternatives to Gittens, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams are being considered.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao is reportedly not seen as an option.
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