Exclusive claims two teams want £52m Chelsea outcast – but there are major doubts over both deals

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Another week has passed where Christopher Nkunku has had just a handful of minutes in a Chelsea shirt, and we all know what that means: another week of rumours about a potential departure for the Frenchman from Stamford Bridge.

This was a particularly notable week as there was a perfect space for Nkunku in the team. Pedro Neto missed the game after getting a kick on international duty – but Enzo Maresca plumped for Joao Felix ahead of Nkunku.

That confirms that Nkunku really is down the pecking order, and edges him closer to an exit. An exclusive from TeamTalk says that Man U are "eyeing" him for a January move, and that Borussia Dortmund are also "in the frame."

Nkunku cost Chelsea around £52m, and all indications are that they want a similar sum for him if they are to sell, despite the fact he's not played much. A return to the Bundesliga – where he scored regularly for RB Leipzig, may be tempting, as would a switch to Old Trafford

Dortmund and Man U keen – but major doubts over both as potential Nkunku buyers

As always in these situations, we have doubts about whether Borussia Dortmund can be considered serious contenders. Their model is buy cheap and young; then sell for a profit. Unless we're going to take a loss on Nkunku (and we don't see why we would), it's hard to see them stumping up.

As for Man U, they would seem a good destination for Nkunku, except for new manager Ruben Amorim's stated intention to get more "intensity" in the squad. For all his qualities, that's not something Nkunku offers.

There will be lots of teams keen to buy Nkunku – but at the price we demand? It might prove tricky.