Chelsea & Newcastle emerge as front-runners to sign £60m giant Switzerland international goalkeeper who wants Champions League football

According to a report by Foot Mercato, Premier League giants Chelsea and Newcastle United have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who reportedly wishes to leave Signal Iduna Park and play for a club that would play Champions League football next season. The 27-year-old's agent is travelling to London next week to meet with representatives from both clubs for talks.

Kobel's contract in Dortmund runs until 2028. According to BILD, Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay €70 million (£60m) for the Swiss international. The Blues are known to be looking for a new keeper, as they are reportedly unhappy with their current number one, Robert Sanchez.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are said to be open to selling their current first-choice goalkeeper, Nick Pope, in the summer, who has just one year left on his contract. Earlier this season, Championship side Leeds United were linked with Pope.

Chelsea and Newcastle aren't the only Premier League teams that have been rumoured to be keeping tabs on the Dortmund custodian, with Manchester United also reportedly monitoring Kobel's situation.

Dortmund must win the remaining four Bundesliga matches of the season if they are to secure a place in the Champions League. Their next match is away to TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday, April 26. Currently seventh in the table, they are four points behind the Champions League places. Missing out on Europe's premier club competition would make Kobel's departure more likely.