Chelsea have been handed a huge blow in the race to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku as Liverpool look to hijack a deal. The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but a move failed to materialise.
football.london understand that the Blues, who hold a long-term interest in Nkunku, were considering whether to make a move for the forward but they were put off by the German giants' €100million (£87.6m) valuation. Late into the window, the France international signed a new contract to extend his stay at the Red Bull Arena, which cast doubt as to whether a switch would be on the cards.
But, it's understood that a €60million (£52.6m) release clause - which becomes active in the summer - was inserted into his contract, meaning Nkunku could leave for considerably less than first thought. With a transfer race wide open, reports suggest that Liverpool a preparing to hijack Chelsea's long-standing interest in the Frenchman.
