United States star Christian Pulisic could sign for Chelsea in January -- but he wouldn't arrive in London until the summer, according to the Mirror.
Chelsea and Liverpool, along with Paris Saint-Germain, have a long-standing interest in the United States international, whose contract is due to expire in 2020. Dortmund are adamant the forward will not leave in January
The Blues "are ready to do a £70 million deal" for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder and prepared to wait for him to join if it means they can wrap up the signing quickly.
Earlier this month, reports said Pulisic -- also linked with Liverpool and Tottenham -- had told Dortmund teammates his future was in England, but BVB have said the 20-year-old will not leave before the end of the season.
Pulisic is under contract until 2020, but the Mirror says the Bundesliga leaders "have held talks with Chelsea, who are leading the chase."
The Londoners see him as a potential replacement for Eden Hazard, who continues to be linked with Real Madrid, and there is "growing confidence" that he will soon be on his way to Stamford Bridge.