'Marcus Rashford key to Chelsea transfer plans' as Man United exit nears

Chelsea could depend on Marcus Rashford joining Borussia Dortmund this month to aid in their pursuit of Jamie Gittens.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that a domino affect could be kickstarted by the Blues' interest.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Gittens, 20, could join Chelsea this month as scouts have been tracking his progress after breaking into the Dortmund first-team.

However, Dortmund are thought to be reluctant to let their star man leave unless they can sign a replacement before the window closes - with Rashford their main target.

Brown told Football Insider on 20 January that the Bundesliga outfit are currently leading the race to sign the 27-year-old as he nears a move away from Old Trafford.

Both a permanent and loan move remain on the cards as things stand, while their previous work with Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham has made them an "ideal" option.

However, they are not the only club interested in a deal this month, and Chelsea could be forced to wait until his future is concluded to make their move.

Marcus Rashford to play key role in Chelsea transfer plans

Should Chelsea miss out on Gittens, they are also keen on a move to sign Alejandro Garnacho, with Man United at the centre of their plans in the closing stages of the window.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that both deals, as well as Rashford's future, will be ones to watch before the 3 February deadline.

"There could be a bit of a domino effect going on," he told Football Insider.

"If Chelsea are looking to sign Gittens, Dortmund are going to need somebody to take his place in the team, and it seems they would like that to be Rashford.

"So if Gittens is leaving, it opens the door for Rashford to move to Dortmund.

"But it's the same the other way round.

"Dortmund won't want to let him leave unless they've already got a replacement, so if they sign Rashford, it then allows Gittens to join Chelsea.

"If they take him on loan or permanently from Man United, they're not going to leave him on the bench. He's going to play on that left-hand side.

"So they're aware of Gittens' qualities, but their interest in Rashford suggests they could let him leave as long as they can find a replacement.

"If they can't, then I'm not so sure they'd be open to the deal with Chelsea, and then all sides miss out.

"I think Chelsea will be made to wait and see where Rashford goes, and then if that is the move to Germany, then they are free to make their move for Gittens.

"For now, though, I'd say it's one to watch before the window closes."

In other news, Chelsea dealt new blow in Alejandro Garnacho pursuit.

For more Chelsea news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.