Manchester United's search for a new winger when the summer transfer window opens has been given a major boost.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are monitoring Schalke winger Rabbi Matondo.
In addition, the report states that Matondo would be interested in a return to the Premier League just over a year after joining the Bundesliga outfit from Manchester City.
Matondo failed to make a single first-team appearance during his two seasons at the Etihad Stadium before moving to Schalke in a deal worth a reported £11.3m.
After a slow introduction, the 19-year-old has become a regular this season. He's made 13 senior appearances across all competitions thus far, scoring once.
Interestingly for Chelsea fans, Matondo is reportedly United's back-up option to Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho who has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
The report also states that United are keen to add the best homegrown talent to their squad at the end of the season with Matondo viewed as a potential bargain buy.
Whereas Sancho is likely to cost upwards of £100m, Matondo's value on transfermarkt is £7.2m and it's unlikely that Schalke would demand anything close to the England international's price-tag.
So with Matondo open to moving to Old Trafford, could his stance affect Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and director Marina Granovskaia's plans for the summer window?
Granovskaia is the key figure when it comes to dealing with transfers and contracts, and she will be there to help Frank Lampard and Chelsea to deliver their vision for the future.
As mentioned above, Sancho is on the west London outfit's radar as the Blues head coach looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2020/21 season.
With 14 goals and 15 assists to his name in the Bundesliga this season, the England international would be a fantastic addition to Chelsea and could even help bridge the gap between them and Liverpool next term.
But much depends on Man United who are expected to go all out to sign him.
A move to the 'Theatre of Dreams' for Sancho would alter Granovskaia's plans and force Chelsea to go in a different direction.
Yet their Sancho vision would be back on track if United are swayed by a cheaper alternative to the £100m-plus rated England international.
