Borussia Dortmund are exploring a deal for Chelsea's Joshua Acheampong, among a number of clubs monitoring his situation.
The 19-year-old has been seen by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy as a prospect for the future, but the defender is known to want more first-team opportunities in order to progress.
There is now a belief among suitor clubs that Chelsea may be willing to do business for £35m, having previously rejected approaches - including loans.
Borussia Dortmund have escalated their own interest, and are willing to act this summer. If they do, there is an expectation that Internazionale could come in amid a club refresh.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also among those interested from the Premier League, having watched Acheampong for some time.
While it has been thought a loan could best suit all parties, Chelsea have rejected some such offers. Amid another summer of PSR churn, though, there is now a feeling that Chelsea could particularly be open to a deal if it involves a club who have a player they want.
That could open the way for Dortmund, given Chelsea's long-standing interest in English winger Jamie Gittens.
Acheampong played the full 90 minutes in the club's final group game at the Club World Cup, a 3-0 win over ES Tunis.
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