Chelsea have entered the race for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.
Dembele is a target for Manchester United and was watched by a scout from the Old Trafford side on Saturday night as he scored at Toulouse.
But the Blues are exploring a move for the former Celtic striker next summer.
United view Dembele as a good option for the January window as they look to improve their forward options.
Yet it is understood Lyon might want to hold onto Dembele until the summer to maximise his value.
He is more settled under new manager Rudi Garcia than previous boss Sylvinho and less likely to push for a move in January.
And that could suit Chelsea, who are in the middle of a transfer ban that will last until the summer window.
The Blues could lose Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi by then, leaving Tammy Abraham as their only recognised senior striker.
Given their fine start to the season under Frank Lampard, they are likely to need more options to try and compete in the Champions League.