Chelsea could inadvertently benefit Premier League rivals Manchester United this winter.

The Blues are continuing to show considerable interest in Burnley defender Michael Keane and could make a move for him in January, according to multiple reports.

Keane, 23, left United for Burnley on loan in the summer of 2014 before signing a permanent deal in the winter of that season.

According to the Daily Mirror, in Keane's Clarets contract was included a 20% sell-on clause which is set to land the Red Devils some cash if and when the talented centre-back is offloaded.

Chelsea remain in the hunt for a new central defender and are believed to be considering a swoop for the former England U21 international who was called up to interim boss Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad for recent World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia.