Liverpool looking to 'hijack' Chelsea's move for Nkunku with last-ditch bid

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Christopher Nkunku, despite Chelsea closing in on a deal for the RB Leipzig striker.

Nkunku, 24, has established himself as one of the best forwards in Germany after a stunning 2021/22 campaign, scoring 35 goals in 52 games to fire Leipzig to success in the DFB-Pokal - the club's first major honour - and a fourth-placed finish in the Bundesliga.

The Frenchman is the reigning Bundesliga Player of the Season and broke into his national side earlier this year, earning eight senior caps to date. He is hoping to be part of Didier Deschamps' squad for this year's World Cup in Qatar, which starts next month.

Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal with Nkunku's representatives ahead of a move next summer. It's claimed his existing Leipzig contract - which expires in June 2026 - has a €60million (£53m) release clause that can be activated in July 2023.

The Blues are even hopeful of adding Nkunku to their squad in January to boost Graham Potter's ranks this term. Leipzig would prefer to wait until the end of the season to allow them to find a replacement but negotiations are ongoing.

According to The Sun, however, Liverpool haven't given up hope on landing the talent. The Reds are reportedly scouting Nkunku in case his move to Stamford Bridge falls through or they are able to persuade him to move to Merseyside instead.

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A Liverpool scout was believed to be at Parkhead last Tuesday to see Nkunku in action against Celtic in the Champions League. The forward did not score nor provide an assist against the Scottish Premiership champions, although he did help them win 2-0.

There is said to be a fear that Liverpool have missed out on signing Nkunku. Newcastle's head of recruitment Steve Nickson was also reportedly at Parkhead, but he was taking a look at Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley - who has been linked with Crystal Palace.

In terms of Chelsea, they are also believed to be keen on Nkunku's Leipzig teammate Josko Gvardiol. The 20-year-old defender was thought to be on former Blues manager Thomas Tuchel's transfer shortlist - and an interest remains despite the German's sacking.

RB Leipzig forward Andre Silva recently provided an update on Nkunku's mindset amid the speculation surrounding his future. The Chelsea target has continued to find the net this season, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in 16 games.

"Chris is not a team-mate who talks so much," Silva told reporters. "I think he puts all the work on the pitch during games or in training and he is able to do things that come naturally and make it look easy. Chris is doing good and we hope he continues doing that."

Chelsea are also thought to be interested in Brighton winger Leandro Trossard, who worked under Potter before he left the Seagulls last month. The 27-year-old, who is out of contract in June, has scored five goals and provided two assists in nine games this term.

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