Chelsea are set to face competition from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain for the signing of highly-rated defender Alex Telles.
According to reports in Turkey [via Star Sport] the French outfit are set to rival the Blues for the Galatasaray left-back following speculation that Lucas Digne is a transfer target for Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has found first team opportunities limited at the Parc des Princes stadium since his arrival in 2013 and it’s understood that he is willing to leave PSG during the current transfer window in order to stake his claim to for a place in the French squad at next year’s European Championships on home soil.
A move to Merseyside for the defensive starlet appears to be at an advanced stage as reports in France [via Star Sport] claimed on Monday that the two clubs have already opened talks regarding a potential transfer and he could become manager Brendan Rodgers’s eighth summer signing imminently.
With Jose Enrique short of match practice after starting making just four league appearances last season and Jon Flanagan still on the road to recovery after more than 12 months out injured, the need for a new left-back is a pressing concern for the Anfield outfit as Alberto Moreno struggled at times with the demands of English football during his debut year.
Digne’s situation with the Reds is likely to directly affect Chelsea’s hopes of landing Telles, despite reports in Italy on Monday night [via Metro Sport] which suggested that the Blues were closing in on the 22-year-old’s signature after opening talks with the reigning Super Lig champions.
Following Filipe Luis’s transfer back to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid on Tuesday afternoon, the Blues are in need of a direct replacement for the Brazilian, who has returned to Spain after just one season in the Barclays Premier League [via BBC Sport].
SEE ALSO:
World-class Arsenal and Liverpool transfer target flattered by interest; statement made on future
Arsenal & Liverpool transfer target wants exit; discusses the two clubs he’s weighing up for imminent move (Video)
Chelsea & Liverpool linked with move to sign £16m Premier League midfield powerhouse