Chelsea ready to battle Man Utd for French midfielder

Chelsea are set to go head-to-head with Manchester United in the race to sign Juventus defender Adrien Rabiot this summer.

The France international is about to enter the final year of his Bianconeri contract, and has no plans of penning a renewal.

This is expected to pave the way for his summer departure, and L'Equipe claims that he could be heading to the Premier League.

United have shown interest in his services by contacting his entourage, but they are set to face stiff competition from Thomas Tuchel's side.

Both clubs are looking to bolster their central midfield options. Rabiot would be a bargain with a reported asking price of just £13 million.

The 27-year-old is in the peak of his career, and would be well suited for the Premier League with his good physique and tackling skills.

He may want assurances of playing time in a World Cup year, and this could determine where he joins. Juventus are keen to sell him by June 30.