Liverpool and Chelsea face fresh competition for January transfer target

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Liverpool and Chelsea may need to see off attention from Fiorentina if they are to secure a deal for Olympique de Marseille centre-back Nicolas Nkoulou, according to reports in France.

Both EPL heavyweights have been linked with a move for the Cameroon international during the January transfer market, according to the Metro.

Serie A side Lazio have already been identified as potential suitors for the Central African stopper, according to Corriere dello Sport, but while Le 10 Sport suspect that the Rome-based side have little chance of signing the player due to Marseille’s transfer demands, Fiorentina may not be put off so easily.

Foot365 [as per Le 10 Sport] report that the Viola are plotting a move for the 25-year-old centre-back as they look to consolidate their place near the pinnacle of Serie A.

Under former Queens Park Rangers coach Paulo Sousa, the Tuscany-based outfit have started the Italian league season well and, after 14 games, sit third in the standings, two points behind leaders Napoli.

However, while Fiorentina are the division’s second-highest scorers, they have conceded 12 goals—more than both of the teams ahead of them (the Partenopei and Inter Milan)—and Sousa may see this as an area to improve in during the January window.

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The cultured Nkoulou was linked with a move away from OM during the summer—Newcastle United were reportedly keen on his signature—but he ultimately remained at the Stade Velodrome.

He may not be there for much longer as, with his contract ending in the summer, OM may opt to offload in January—their final chance to cash in on the talented international.

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