Chelsea look set to miss out on the signing of Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko. The 18-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Bundesliga outfit as he enters the final six-months of his deal.
According to the Evening Standard, Newcastle United made a 'substantial verbal approach' for the striker, leapfrogging the Blues in their pursuit. The report states that Moukoko is thought to have discussed a deal worth over £150,000 a week to join Eddie Howe's side on a free transfer once his deal at the Signal Iduna Park expires in the summer.
It's said Chelsea and Barcelona are among several clubs also interested in the Germany international. The report added that Dortmund are actively looking to extend Moukoko's future and it was first believed that they would struggle to compete financially in the race for his signature.
READ MORE: Chelsea alerted by Dortmund in Youssoufa Moukoko transfer after Newcastle hijack 'ultimate' deal
However, the German side look to be in luck. According to Sky Sports Germany, a compromise has now been made between the two parties and Moukoko now looks poised to commit his future to Dortmund.
The £26.2million-rated striker's U-turn decision to stay put in the Bundesliga comes just days after Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke commented on the lack of 'gratitude' in football. Speaking to Sky Sport Germany, he said: "I started 18 years ago with the proviso that there might be a little gratitude from time to time, but I’ve given up on that a long time ago.
"Gratitude is not a currency in professional football. Sadly, that really is the case. But I won’t hold that against anyone, because the business is simply the way it is.
"I don’t think the whole process is very normal. The difference is that he’s 18 years old now and he was at the World Cup and that makes it even more public.
"It’s totally legitimate that he is now trying to get a good position for himself. But it is also legitimate that we have our own ideas.
"If they do not coincide then the cooperation will not be continued. That is the ultimate consequence – but of course, we hope that he will stay with us."
Chelsea appear to still be in the market for a striker despite having already welcomed David Datro Fofana and Joao Felix to the club this month.
Though given the latter of the two was shown a red card against Fulham, Potter was shown how fragile the Blues' circumstances remain.
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