Manchester City are reportedly ahead of Chelsea in the chase for Borussia Dortmund teenager Mathis Albert, in a potential €20m deal. Yet the financial charges hanging over the club could still shift the balance, with any severe punishment potentially putting players off and allowing rivals back in. According to Caughtoffside.com.

City tipped to lead Chelsea for Albert as legal case clouds pursuit

Manchester City are now felt to be leading the race for Mathis Albert in a potential €20m deal, according to TEAMtalk. The interest is not new, as City first showed strong interest in the summer, although Dortmund are keen not to let the USA international leave.

Albert is a 17-year-old attacking midfielder who made his debut last term and looks set to play a bigger part in the first team of the Bundesliga club this season. Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also named in the report as clubs monitoring his situation, so City’s lead may not go unchallenged.

The complication is off the pitch. The Sky Blues were recently found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 financial charges against them and are appealing the verdict. Should it stand, City would likely face a heavy sanction, potentially a transfer ban or a points deduction severe enough to make relegation unavoidable, which would deter prospective signings.

Such an outcome could bring Chelsea back into the contest, with the American teenager sure to have plenty of other options if he does not end up at the Etihad Stadium. For now, how the case affects City’s transfer plans remains to be seen.