Chelsea are exploring the possibility of bringing Borussia Dortmund and Germany star Youssoufa Moukoko to Stamford Bridge.

What’s the word? 

That is according to a report by David Ornstein for The Athletic, who has given a round-up of the transfer dealings surrounding some of the World Cup’s most talked-about stars. 

The youngest player to ever represent Germany at a World Cup, Moukoko has been listed as a target for Chelsea, with the west London outfit making headway for a future move amidst the 18-year-old’s contract expiry at the end of this season.

According to The Athletic, the Blues are doing the groundwork for a summer deal; and whilst other clubs are said to be watching closely, it is Chelsea who have given the impression that negotiations are reaching an advanced stage, with ‘other Premier League clubs… under the impression it is advanced’.

Ornstein added that while Todd Boehly and co are doing the groundwork for a summer move for Moukoko ahead of time, they may yet find a way to secure his signing prior to the January transfer window closing.

Potential big coup

Moukoko has been a promising name in European football for some years now, having announced himself as a genuine prospect at the tender age of 15 after he broke the Bundesliga under-19 goalscoring record with 34 goals in 20 games.

Having been eased into Dortmund’s first-team, making just three starts in 30 league appearances for the club over the past couple of seasons, he has finally found his feet in recent months and has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the line, taking to the role with splendour.

Six goals and three assists have come as a result of these increased opportunities, with the Germany star making eight starts from 14 appearances in the Bundesliga this term. 

His inclusion in Germany’s World Cup squad speaks volumes, and with the 18-year-old likely to keep improving at a rapid rate based on his career trajectory so far, Chelsea would be getting their hands on a major coup if they are to prise the £26m-valued star away from Signal Iduna Park come the end of the season…or even the end of next month.