London, June 2 (IANS) 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 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 the Londoners, he will be the fifth Belgian recruit for the club with Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne also in the side.

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