Chelsea are in pre-contract talks with Barcelona rebel Ousmane Dembele.

The Athletic reports Chelsea are in talks with Dembele over a free transfer summer switch.

The 24-year-old French star left Borussia Dortmund for Barcelona back in 2017 but he has failed to sparkle at the Nou Camp.

The attacker's contract with the LaLiga giants expires in June and he looks unlikely to be staying put under Xavi.

Reports emerged yesterday that Chelsea were in discussions with Dembele as hopes mounted over a potential transfer deadline day swoop.

But the talks Chelsea held with his representative have been geared more towards the possibility of a free transfer in the summer instead.

The winger was told by the Catalans to sign a new contract or look for another club.

The 2018 World Cup winner chose the latter option having failed to agree terms on a new deal.