Chelsea are asking for north of £60million for Christopher Nkunku this month with Bayern Munich seriously interested in the forward, football.london understands.

The 27-year-old has started just three games in the Premier League for the Blues this term and is understood to be frustrated with his lack of opportunities. Despite having such a bit-part role in the league, Nkunku is the club's joint-top scorer alongside Cole Palmer with both scoring 13 goals this season in all competitions.

While all of Palmer's have come in the Premier League, Nkunku has bagged just twice in the top-flight. The France international has only played 390 minutes in the Premier League - and Bayern are now looking to take advantage of the uncertainty over his future.

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Talks with the German club are well underway with Chelsea interested in forward Mathys Tel, who signed a contract extension at the Allianz Arena less than 12 months ago. If Bayern were to give the Blues any form of encouragement that they would be willing to allow the 19-year-old forward to leave this month, then the west Londoners would not hesitate in making an offer, football.london understands.

While talks over Tel have been happening, Bayern have also enquired about the possibility of signing Nkunku. Chelsea are in a strong position when it comes to the France international, with the attacker still having four-and-a-half years left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge, meaning the Blues are asking for more than £60m.

Chelsea's stance on Nkunku has somewhat changed in recent months. In fact, back at the end of November, head coach Enzo Maresca was asked if he could categorically rule out selling the French forward in the mid-season window.

"Absolutely, yes," Maresca replied. "We have so many games. I completely want Christo to stay with us; I don't have any idea to let him leave in January.

"I spoke to Chriso days ago and he did not say he was unhappy. For sure, he would like to play minutes but [that is] like many players."

While Maresca may still want to keep Nkunku, the club is set up with two co-sporting directors in Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, whose focus is on transfer business and getting the best for Chelsea. While Maresca, the head coach, does have some say in the business done by the club, ultimately it comes down to the sporting directors and the owners.

Stewart and Winstanley have overall responsibility for Chelsea's footballing operations, as well as transfers, talent identification and recruitment strategy. Meanwhile, the pair have a team working under them helping them with the club's recruitment, including Joe Shields, Chelsea's co-director of recruitment and talent.

While Maresca's comments on Nkunku's future may now seem meaningless, it is understandable given how situations change in football.