Chelsea have received a lifeline in the race to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The talented 22-year-old has been linked with a move away from Milan this summer with his current contract set to expire ahead of next season.
Donnarumma had said he wanted to stay at AC Milan, putting off potential suitors, including Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester United, but it seems the door could be open after all.
The keeper was already in discussions with Milan and Juventus in the bid to agree a contract, but according to Football Italia, he has now put talks on hold.
The report claims Donnarumma is desperate to play Champions League football next season and with neither of AC Milan or Juventus guaranteed qualification just yet, the goalkeeper has decided to put talks on hold.
That could give Chelsea and Manchester United fresh hope with both sides looking very likely to be playing Champions League football next season.
Chelsea are fourth and three points ahead of fifth-placed West Ham, while Manchester United are second and potentially one game away from securing qualification.
Meanwhile, in Serie A, Juventus are fourth and AC Milan are fifth with both teams level on points, while third-placed Napoli are also on the same total, and second-placed Atalanta are within two points.
Donnarumma and Milan played Europa League football this season, reaching the round of 16 before crashing out at the hands of Manchester United.
And with the goalkeeper desperate to climb into the Champions League, it seems there may yet be a window for Chelsea.
The Blues may not need a new keeper, strictly speaking, with Edouard Mendy impressing this season, but with Donnarumma one of the most promising young keepers in world football and available on a free, if he does become available, it might be too good an opportunity not to pursue.
