Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, with the forward not named in France's Under-21 team for the UEFA Under-21 Euros.
The striker was omitted from his side's squad, leaving the door open for the Blues to advance in talks with the 22-year-old and see off competition from rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, who have both been credited wit holding an interest in the No. 9.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: . Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Twitter account - providing real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and .
You may also like
England Sweep West Indies Series As Smith Scores Maiden ODI Fifty
ACB issues summons to Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain in classroom construction scam case
Donald Trump set to waive some legal requirements to boost critical minerals
Iranian police rescue three Indians who went missing last month
Beachside bliss to jobless in hours: Microsoft techie shares his painful new chapter