Jadon Sancho's influence on Chelsea transfer target Jamie Gittens is clear to see - and they could soon be reunited.

Sancho, 24, arrived from Manchester United last summer in a loan deal which also includes an obligatory purchase clause of around £20-25million, should the Blues finish at least 14th in the Premier League. Since representatives from Stamford Bridge convinced United to part with the winger, Chelsea have also held firm talks with the Red Devils about potentially signing Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine was heavily linked with a move to West London in the January transfer window, but a move was not completed in the end. Nevertheless, should Enzo Maresca's side enter the summer transfer window with an intention of signing the United academy product, the groundwork has already been done.

READ MORE: Breaking: Enzo Maresca makes huge Cole Palmer decision for UEFA Conference League campaign

READ MORE: Every word Enzo Maresca said on Jackson and Guiu injuries, signing a striker, Felix departure

According to the Daily Mail, the Blues also held talks with Borussia Dortmund over England starlet Gittens, who is believed to be valued at €100million (£83m). The versatile forward, who can play on both wings and through the centre, is enjoying a strong breakout campaign in the Bundesliga this year.

And that's in part thanks to Sancho. During his loan spell at the Signal Iduna Park last year, he worked closely with the 20-year-old.

When asked about the influence Sancho had on his performances, Gittens, who has 11 international caps for the England U21s, told WAZ: "I've learned a lot from Jadon.

"For example, that I have to play with one or two touches more often, that I have to offer deeper runs more often. And when he plays, he enjoys himself. I've learned that too. Jadon is a friend."

The youngster has 11 goals and five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga giants. While Sancho has enjoyed many impressive moments in west London and has largely had a positive impact, his numbers are lower than his ex-team-mate - albeit in a tougher league.

He has two goals and six assists in 21 appearances in all competitions for Maresca's side, who climbed back into the top four with their recent 2-1 home victory over West Ham United. Aside from re-calling Trevoh Chalobah and signing 19-year-old teenage prospect Mathis Amougou, the Blues had a quiet transfer window.

Their options in the forward areas decreased with the decision to loan Joao Felix to AC Milan, while Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga also left to join Aston Villa and Juventus on loan respectively. In addition, fringe players Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei and Ben Chilwell also departed to join Dortmund, Torino and Crystal Palace.

While many pundits believe the club should have been pursuing a new striker and a new goalkeeper, Maresca made it clear that he was happy with how the window went. The Italian said: "We did all the things we need in terms of players we need to leave and players we wanted. We did everything we needed."

It seems another summer spending free is being readied instead, with Gittens undoubtedly being a statement signing having attracted the attention of Europe's elite. But Sancho's guidance could come back to bite him if his fellow countryman does arrive and makes a bigger impact than he has - an issue which would only be exacerbated if Garnacho is thrown into the mix too.