Chelsea and Liverpool face frustration in their bid for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud.
The Daily Express says Chelsea are said to have held talks with Dahoud's representatives.
While Liverpool retain an interest in the player after failing to sign him in summer.
But the Premier League sides look set for disappointment.
Bild reports Dahoud has reached an agreement with Dortmund and is likely to join them for around £8.5million (10m euros).