Chelsea 'start £83m transfer talks’ after Jadon Sancho influence pays dividends

Jadon Sancho's impact on Chelsea transfer target Jamie Gittens has been evident - and the pair could soon be playing together again.

Sancho, 24, joined from Manchester United last summer in a loan deal that includes an obligatory purchase clause of around £20-25million, provided Chelsea finish at least 14th in the Premier League. Since Stamford Bridge representatives persuaded United to let go of the winger, Chelsea have also had serious discussions with the Red Devils about potentially signing Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine was strongly linked with a move to west London during the January transfer window, but no deal was finalised. However, the Blues are also interested in Gittens, who has been a breakout star for Borussia Dortmund this season.

The young Englishman is believed to be valued at around £83m by the Bundesliga giants. Interestingly, a lot of his development may be down to his work with Sancho.

During his loan spell at Signal Iduna Park last year, Sancho worked closely with the 20-year-old. When asked about the influence the ex-United winger had on his performances, Gittens, who has 11 international caps for the England U21s, told WAZ: "I've learned a lot from Jadon.

"For example, that I have to play with one or two touches more often, that I have to offer deeper runs more often. And when he plays, he enjoys himself. I've learned that too. Jadon is a friend."

According to the Daily Mail, the Blues have held talks with Dortmund for Gittens with one eye on the summer transfer window. It also claimed direct talks were held with United for Garnacho.

Similarly to Garnacho, Gittens is capable of playing on both wings and through the centre. The young talent has notched up 11 goals and five assists in 30 outings for the German heavyweights.

While Sancho has been a positive force, his stats don't quite match those of his former colleague - though he's competing in a more challenging league with two goals and six assists from 21 games in all competitions. Maresca's side recently leapt back into the top four by overcoming West Ham United 2-1.

The Blues kept it low-key during the transfer window, only bringing back Trevoh Chalobah and snapping up 19-year-old hotshot Mathis Amougou, who is believed to be a purchase for the future. Maresca's side did see six players depart the club in January.

Joao Felix was shipped off on loan to AC Milan, while Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka were also loaned to Aston Villa, Juventus, Crystal Palace and Dortmund. Cesare Casadei also left West London to join Torino on a permanent deal.

Despite some voices suggesting the club should have chased a new striker and goalkeeper, Maresca expressed satisfaction with the transfer dealings. He said: "We did all the things we need in terms of players we need to leave and players we wanted. We did everything we needed."

It appears another summer splurge is being prepared, with Gittens understood to be one of the top targets. However, Sancho's guidance could backfire if his compatriot arrives and outshines him - a situation that would only be worsened if Garnacho is also added to the equation.