Chelsea ‘join Man Utd in Marcus Thuram transfer race’ as they prepare to launch January bid for France World Cup star

CHELSEA have reportedly joined the race of clubs interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram.

The French international is also believed to be wanted by Premier League rivals Manchester United.

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Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Marcus Thuram this month[/caption]

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer, with many clubs lining up contracts for him to sign on a free transfer.

However, Chelsea are willing to pay the Bundesliga side a cut-price fee now in order to sign him this month, according to Foot Mercato.

L’Équipe have also credited Aston Villa and Bayern Munich with an interest in the forward.

The striker has started this season in fine form, having scored 13 goals and assisted four more in 17 appearances in all competitions.

This form has seen him become the second highest scorer in the Bundesliga this season, only behind fellow Chelsea transfer target Christopher Nkunku.

He was also called up by Didier Deschamps to play at the World Cup in Qatar for France.

At the tournament, he impressed again as he picked up two assists from his five appearances.

However, it is not yet known if the player would prefer a move away from his club now, or if he would rather wait until the summer to decide on his future.

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Chelsea have already added to their squad in the current transfer window, having signed young striker David Datro Fofana.

The Blues also completed the transfer of AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile after he signed a seven-and-a-half-year deal.