Felix Nmecha transfer: Manchester United and Chelsea weighing Dortmund move

Manchester United and Chelsea have emerged as the leading Premier League contenders to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha after Newcastle United reportedly cooled their interest in the Germany international.

Nmecha has enhanced his reputation with a series of impressive performances at the World Cup, attracting growing attention from England as Borussia Dortmund prepare for another busy summer transfer window.

According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have held discussions with several Premier League clubs to assess the possibility of a move, with Manchester United and Chelsea now considered the strongest candidates.

Newcastle were initially among the clubs exploring a move for the 25-year-old, but the Magpies have now shifted their focus towards alternative midfield targets.

Earlier reports suggested Borussia Dortmund's €100 million valuation had discouraged Eddie Howe's side from progressing negotiations.

However, fresh claims indicate the transfer stalled primarily because Nmecha himself was unconvinced that a move to St James' Park represented the right step in his career.

The report adds that Dortmund would be willing to negotiate below their initial asking price if a serious offer is submitted, potentially reopening the market for the midfielder.

Manchester United are expected to strengthen their midfield further despite already agreeing a deal for Atalanta's Ederson.

The Red Devils had identified Elliot Anderson as a priority target before the midfielder opted to join Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba and Angelo Stiller also remain under consideration.

Nmecha is understood to be firmly on United's shortlist as the club continue evaluating several options before deciding who best fits their long-term plans.

Chelsea are also monitoring the Borussia Dortmund midfielder as they assess midfield reinforcements.

However, reports linking Granit Xhaka with a reunion alongside Xabi Alonso could reduce the urgency to pursue another central midfielder unless circumstances change later in the transfer window.

Having followed both clubs' recruitment strategies over recent windows, Nmecha fits the profile each has consistently targeted. At 25, he combines physical presence with technical ability while already possessing experience at the highest level in both the Bundesliga and international football.

However, any move is expected to depend on further transfer activity. Neither Manchester United nor Chelsea appear ready to make an immediate approach while other midfield negotiations remain ongoing.

Although Borussia Dortmund initially valued Nmecha at around €100 million, there is growing belief a lower fee could be enough to open negotiations.

That development could encourage interested clubs to intensify their interest once priorities elsewhere in the market become clearer.

With the Germany international under contract and Dortmund under no immediate pressure to sell, any discussions are still expected to require a significant financial commitment.

Manchester United and Chelsea are likely to continue monitoring Nmecha's situation while completing other midfield business before deciding whether to make a formal move.

Borussia Dortmund remain open to discussions if suitable offers arrive, while Newcastle appear to have ended their pursuit after turning their attention towards alternative targets.

Would Felix Nmecha be a better signing for Manchester United or Chelsea if Borussia Dortmund lower their asking price this summer?