Michael Mancienne believes Jadon Sancho would be a "massive signing" for Chelsea, adding that the 20-year-old can fulfil his potential under Frank Lampard.
Sancho came through the ranks at Watford and Manchester City before leaving England in 2017 for Borussia Dortmund, where he has since flourished.
The England international has scored 30 goals and provided 42 assists in 90 appearances across two-and-a-half-seasons in Germany.
Manchester United and the Blues have both been linked with Sancho, with the former favourites to secure his signature.
Mancienne still keeps a close eye on former club Chelsea, who he joined as a nine-year-old before leaving for Hamburg in 2011.
And the New England Revolution defender would like to see his boyhood club push to sign Sancho this summer.
"Yeah most definitely. He's got a really bright future ahead of him," he told Tribalfootball.com.
"Under the right management he can fulfil his potential. He can be a massive, massive player, especially for England as well. I think it would be a massive signing for Chelsea."
Another player who has impressed Mancienne is Mason Mount, who exploded onto the scene this season after an impressive loan spell with Derby County last term.
The 21-year-old has scored six goals and provided five assists in the Premier League, while also winning his first cap for England.
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi recently praised the playmaker, stating: "Having watched him play he has the potential to be one of the best."
Responding to Messi's comments, Mancienne said: "I think he's a great player.
"To be honest any young star can go far, it just depends on how serious they take their profession. How much work that put into their craft.
"Mount's got an abundance of energy and he's sharp on the ball, and tidy as well which I really like. He's got massive potential and that's a massive compliment coming from Messi."
Frank Lampard has shifted the focus at Stamford Bridge to utilising the club's raft of talented youngsters alongside their experienced core, which Mancienne thinks will greatly benefit England.
Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Fiyako Tomori have all featured significantly, while Lampard has handed out eight debuts to academy graduates this season.
One young player who has missed out on the Blues' youth revolution is Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has been sidelined with injury since May 2019.
The 24-year-old has only recently returned to the first-team fold, and Mancienne thinks he is just the player Lampard has been missing.
"He's an important player. Before he got injured he was playing a lot and doing really well, he has a really bright future ahead of him as well. And he is someone that Chelsea have probably missed.
"Another home grown lad who obviously would give everything for the shirt, which is massive and what every club needs. Once he's back to full fitness he'll be a massive help for the club."
Follow Andrew Maclean on Twitter: @andrewmaclean30
