Chelsea and Manchester United have launched a battle to sign Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez.

AS says both English giants are in contact with Gimenez, who has welcomed their approach.

The Uruguay international, 22, has seen his career stall this season as Atletico coach Diego Simeone has chosen other options to partner Diego Godin at the heart of his defence.

United boss Jose Mourinho, particularly, has been in regular contact with Gimenez's camp and there's a belief Atletico will be ready to sell this summer.

The return of fullback Theo Hernandez from his Alaves loan will allow brother Lucas to move in centrally.

And Atletico also expect to sign Sao Paulo stopper Lyanco Vojnovic, 20, pending FIFA lifting the club's transfer ban this summer.