Borussia Dortmund win race to sign Chelsea target

Borussia Dortmund have won the race to sign Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule on a free transfer this summer.

Sule recently entered the final six months of his contract, and it was predicted that he could end up in the Premier League.

Chelsea and Newcastle United made contact with his agent, but they have now suffered a blow with him choosing Dortmund.

The centre-back has opted to move across the Bundesliga rather than pursue a new challenge in a foreign league next season.

The news will be disappointing for the Blues in particular, considering Thomas Tuchel has been a long-time admirer of Sule.

Tuchel urged the hierarchy to explore a deal for Sule last year. They were touted to sign him this summer, but it won't be the case.

Chelsea may now switch focus to their long-term target in Jules Kounde. They agreed personal terms with the Frenchman last summer.

He could be available for around €80 million in the next transfer window.