CHELSEA have been handed a huge transfer boost after Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele named Thomas Tuchel as his favourite coach.
The French winger has failed to light up LaLiga as many expected following a £97million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
It has led to rumour that the cash-strapped Spaniards may look to flog the 23-year-old, with Chelsea previously linked.
And it appears Dembele would be keen to link up once again with his former Dortmund boss Tuchel.
Speaking to BeIn Sports, the 23-cap France international said: “Thomas Tuchel is my favourite coach.
“Under him I played more on the right side before I was moved to ten or in the middle.
“If he had stayed, it would have been very difficult to leave Dortmund. I would probably not have done it.”
CONTRACT TALKS
Dembele has confirmed he is yet to start discussing a new contract with Barcelona.
His current deal expires next summer.
Dembele said: “My future? I still have a year of contract left. There hasn’t been a discussion with the club yet, I’m happy, and I feel good.
“Then there is the new president who has arrived and whom I do not know too well, but he is very close to the players. We’ll see how it goes.”
Joan Laporta was elected Barcelona president for the second time last month and has been tasked with persuading Dembele to sign a new deal.
Reports in Spain suggest the France international will stay at the Nou Camp, although it may be some time before an extension is agreed if negotiations are yet to begin.
Manchester United have also been linked with the jet-heeled Frenchman.
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