Manchester City may have to see off Chelsea in the race to sign Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, according to L’Equipe.

The French publication claims that the Premier League champions remain favourites to secure the Belgian international’s services but there is now competition for the player.

Doku has been targeted by City as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who left the Etihad Stadium for Saudi Arabia last month.

There have been conflicting reports over whether the Citizens have agreed personal terms with Doku, but there is clearly interest in the 21-year-old.

Rennes have, though, made it clear to all potential suitors that they won’t let Doku leave unless a team meets their €60m (£51m) asking price.

Doku’s valuation is pretty steep

It’s clear that City are fans of the Belgian but Rennes’s demands are pretty excessive, considering that Doku has not yet really fulfilled his potential.

Since making the move to France from Anderlecht almost three years ago, the winger has scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in 91 appearances, which is hardly an impressive return.

Injuries are partly to blame for that, with Doku having missed 50 games for both club and country since the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign.

Are City considering alternatives?

Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise has been mentioned as a possible target but the Frenchman signed a new contract with the Eagles earlier this week, so a transfer this summer looks to be off the cards. Lyon’s Bradley Barcola is another player that City have scouted but the treble winners have not stepped up their interest in the player.

Considering Cole Palmer’s outstanding form at the start of the season, there is a case for not recruiting another winger and keeping faith with the academy graduate. From the sound of things, though, City look committed to signing Doku before the transfer window closes.