Chelsea, Manchester United battle it out for Mousa Dembele

London: English clubs Chelsea and Manchester United are locked in a battle for signing Belgian star midfielder Mousa Dembele. The two teams have opened talks over a 10 million pound move for Fulham's attacking midfielder.

Dembele refused to renew his contract with Fulham, which has 12 months remaining. Chelsea see him as an ideal long-term replacement for Frank Lampard. The European champions already signed Dembele's international teammate Eden Hazard for 32 million pounds earlier this week from French club Lille.

If Dembele does agree to sign with Chelsea, he will be the fifth Belgian recruit for the club with Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne also in the side.

The two teams have opened talks over a 10 million pound move for Fulham\'s attacking midfielder.

Manchester United though are also in the running with manager Sir Alex Ferguson being a long admirer of the 24-year-old Belgium playmaker.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)