Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to try to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele before the end of January.
While the Frenchman still has just over five months remaining on his contract, Dembele was told on Friday that he would be sold for failing to pen fresh terms at Camp Nou.
The move brought an angry response from the 24-year-old, who seemingly wanted to see out the campaign at his current club, but an exit over the next 10 days is now a realistic possibility.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, contact was initiated with the player's agents earlier in the transfer window.
Although talks did not progress at that stage, Chelsea, who are managed by Dembele's former boss Thomas Tuchel, are considering whether to take advantage of the former Borussia Dortmund man's plight.
Newcastle United continue to monitor the situation, although they initially assumed that they may be signing Dembele in the summer.
