Borussia Dortmund has included Jamie Gittens in their squad for the upcoming Club World Cup after a potential transfer to Chelsea collapsed at the final hour.
The Premier League side attempted to secure the 20-year-old talent ahead of the tournament, which begins this weekend, but Dortmund rejected their £42 million offer. Both clubs failed to reach an agreement before Tuesday's 7pm transfer deadline, marking the close of the first summer transfer window.
According to reports, the Bundesliga club is holding out for a significantly higher fee of almost £55 million (€65 million) for the promising youngster. Despite the failed negotiations, Chelsea is expected to renew their interest when the transfer window reopens on Monday.
The timing of the transfer saga created additional complexity around the Club World Cup registration rules. Had Dortmund excluded Gittens from their tournament squad, Chelsea would have been able to register him during the in-tournament registration period that follows the group stages.
Instead, Dortmund's decision to include Gittens in their squad ensures the talented attacker will represent the German side in the expanded club competition.
The Club World Cup begins this weekend with both Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea among the European representatives at the tournament.
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