Chelsea explore Nkunku swap

Chelsea have offered several players to RB Leipzig for midfielder Xavi Simons, including Christopher Nkunku.

It's part of the complex negotiations with the Blues keen to offload players having also offered both Carney Chukwuemeka and Tyrique George.

Any deal between the two clubs would not be a direct swap deal and would be related but separate transfers. It remains to be seen whether the German club deem it viable.

However, the nature of the negotiations highlight Chelsea's intention to offload attackers to sign attackers in the last few weeks of the transfer window.

Sources close to Nkunku have also explained he is reluctant to join a club like Leipzig as he is aiming to play at Champions League level next season.

There is also admiration for Nkunku at Chelsea after his positive performances at the Club World Cup but he is believed to be searching for more than the bit-part role currently on offer at Stamford Bridge.

Another target is winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United - amid initial contract discussions. Newcastle-linked Nicolas Jackson could be allowed to leave for the right offer to make space.

If appropriate outgoing deals are not agreed then Chelsea could reintegrate the likes of Jackson into their squad despite leaving him out of the recent pre-season friendly wins against AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.