Chelsea hold a crucial advantage over Liverpool ahead of a potential midfield transfer battle this summer. Graham Potter and Jurgen Klopp are eyeing reinforcements in the same department, with Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone appearing on both radars.
Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in Manu Kone. (Image: Getty)
"Kone brought up Chelsea because he was a big fan of Didier Drogba, which explains his fascination with the London-based club.
"There's nothing concrete at the moment, but you see that he's potentially going to leave in the summer."
The France U21 international has previously discussed his future, insisting that a move back to Paris would be 'logical', but his game time would take priority in any decision.
"It's true that I'm Parisian. I was born and trained here. There is a logical link," Kone explained.
"But whether it's Paris or another club, I don't care. I just want to play football. In Monchengladbach, I play. So if I have to leave, I'll think about playing first."
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Fabrizio Romano claims Monchengladbach could demand as much as £44million for Kone this summer, given his contract runs until 2025.
But Chelsea have proven under Todd Boehly's regime that they are ready to pay premium prices to recruit the players Potter needs to succeed in west London.
The Blues have also been heavily linked with Declan Rice but face strong competition from Premier League leaders Arsenal.
West Ham United's captain is expected to leave this summer but looks set to be the subject of a nine-figure asking price.
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