Chelsea target could force Enzo Maresca into keeping Jadon Sancho

may opt to press on with their plans to sign this summer if they are able to secure the signature of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as well. The winger joined the Blues from last summer on a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £25million at the end of the season.

However, with the England international struggling to pull up trees at Stamford Bridge, it has since emerged that Chelsea can pay £5m to prevent the permanent signing from going ahead.

has remained coy on whether Sancho will be a part of his squad next season, with the ex-Leicester City boss insisting that he will assess all of his options heading into the window and additions are further required regardless.

The 25-year-old has scored three goals and registered eight assists in 35 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, though questions have been raised as to whether the Blues are capable of finding an alternative in the market.

Borussia Dortmund's Bynoe-Gittens has been shortlisted as one of Chelsea's top targets and reports have emerged that talks with the winger are ongoing on his potential salary if a deal is struck. However, Maresca may feel that signing the 20-year-old is enough to justify keeping Sancho.

The pair played together at the Signal Iduna Park and quickly gained an understanding of how to play with each other on either flank. The duo also appear to remain friends since Sancho returned to England, having commented on each other's Instagram posts.

Bynoe-Gittens has made it no secret that he feels he benefited from his time with Sancho, telling last year: "I've learned a lot from Jadon. For example, that I have to play with one or two touches more often, that I have to offer deeper runs more often. And when he plays, he enjoys himself. I've learned that too. Jadon is a friend."

If Chelsea are set to fork out at least £50million to sign Bynoe-Gittens then they will hope to create the best environment for him to thrive, which could include Sancho. Maresca may also welcome the idea of having a ready-made partnership on the wings, allowing him to continue playing Cole Palmer centrally.