Man United and Chelsea leading race for €100 million World Cup star after Newcastle pull out

Manchester United and Chelsea could battle to sign Felix Nmecha in the summer transfer window after Newcastle United backed away from a deal.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been linked with several clubs already this summer and could be on the move following his involvement at the World Cup with Germany.

TEAMtalk claim that intermediaries have been busy speaking to various Premier League sides to gauge the possibility of a transfer in the coming weeks.

Newcastle reportedly held discussions over a potential move, but it is understood Eddie Howe's side will explore other midfield targets after they backed away from a pricey transfer.

It was initially claimed that money was the biggest factor in their revised stance, with a staggering €100million valuation placed on him by Borussia Dortmund. However, the latest report claims that Dortmund would be willing to negotiate on his transfer fee if serious interest is shown in his signature.

The report cites unnamed sources who claim the real reason Nmecha's move to Newcastle never advanced is that the player had doubts over moving to the North East club. It is suggested that the 25-year-old was not convinced that St James’ Park represented the right next step for his career, and a possible transfer has now 'effectively been ruled out.'

Man Utd and Chelsea consider Nmecha move

United and Chelsea are reportedly the two Premier League clubs with the strongest interest in a move for Nmecha as they both look to strengthen their midfield this summer.

The report claims that both clubs are impressed by the German international's athleticism and technical quality and believe that he is capable of becoming one of Europe’s leading midfielders.

Michael Carrick's side have already agreed a £35 million fee to sign Ederson from Atalanta and are expected to sign another one, if not two, midfielders this summer.

The Red Devils viewed Elliot Anderson as their top midfield target before he agreed to join Man City, while they still retain an interest in Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba and Angelo Stiller.

Chelsea would also like to add a central midfielder to their squad, though it looks like Xabi Alonso is set for a reunion with former Bayer Leverkusen star Granit Xhaka after his excellent season with Sunderland.

It means a move for Nmecha currently looks unlikely for either club, but they could be interested if Dortmund agree to lower their huge asking price.

The report reiterates that any summer move will likely depend on other midfield business, though it insists that Nmecha is 'firmly on the shortlist' for both United and Chelsea at this moment in time.