Christian Pulisic’s Chelsea future remains firmly in the balance with AC Milan and Newcastle among those linked with the winger.

USA international Pulisic, 24, is currently suffering an extended spell on the sidelines after hurting his knee in the Blues’ 1-0 loss to Manchester City earlier this month. 

The timing of the injury could hardly have been worse, with the West Londoners splurging on a host of January attacking reinforcements including Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and a loan move for Joao Felix.

When Pulisic returns to fitness, he will find himself much further down Graham Potter’s pecking order as a result — a point that has not been lost on his suitors. 

Marca suggest that Serie A champions Milan are leading the race, hinting that the American's representatives are already in touch with Stamford Bridge chiefs about a transfer.

Such interest could well nudge Newcastle into action, however, with Magpies boss Eddie Howe said to be an admirer of the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace.

Only eight of Pulisic’s 21 appearances this term have been starts, with a miserly return of one goal and two assists from his limited minutes on the field.

However, he shone for his nation in Qatar as they reached the World Cup last-16 stage and boasts a hugely impressive 22 goals in 56 caps for the Stars and Stripes.

Manchester United have also been strongly linked with the speedster in the past but appear to have cooled their interest for the moment.

Pulisic's contract at Stamford Bridge runs until June 2024 but a summer exit looks a near-certainty even if no agreement is reached this month.

In other news

Brighton could soon be active in the transfer market with The Telegraph claiming £20million-rated Shakhtar Donetsk centre-back Mykola Matviyenko, 26, is on their radar.

Sport suggest Marco Asensio, 27, could leave Real Madrid for their bitter rivals Barcelona if talks over a new contract do not reach a positive conclusion.

Villarreal starlet Nicolas Jackson, 21, is a man in demand with Bournemouth confident of beating Southampton to the signature of the £17m-rated Senegal international according to The Athletic.