Liverpool, Man Utd ‘ready’ to fight Chelsea for striker but rival are ‘real threat’ in tussle for bargain transfer

Lewis Oldham
Liverpool-linked Moukoko

Liverpool and Man Utd are reportedly “ready” to make a move to sign Borussia Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko amid interest from Chelsea.

Moukoko is one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe heading into the summer. His contract at Borussia Dortmund is due to expire later this year.

This comes amid his superb performances for Dortmund, with him grabbing six goals and three assists for the German side in the Bundesliga this season.

The 18-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months. Liverpool initially appeared as his most likely destination with Jurgen Klopp said to be ‘blown away’ by his form.

But Chelsea and Newcastle United have more recently established their interest in the highly-rated teenager. 

Despite interest from some of the top clubs in the world, Dortmund are not giving up hope of keeping Moukoko at the club beyond this season. They cannot be blamed for this as it would be a bitter blow if they lost the forward and Jude Bellingham in one window.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastien Kehl has recently revealed that they have put together a “very attractive offer” to retain Moukoko.

“We have put together a very attractive offer that gives him a lot of room for development,” Kehl revealed to Kicker

“That should lead to a decision. He has to make it with his environment and his advisor. Youssoufa can now accept this offer and commit to Borussia Dortmund – or we will go our separate ways.”

Now TEAMtalk transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Liverpool and Man Utd are among the clubs “ready to come in” for Moukoko.

“One of the biggest teenage talents in Europe, a lot of Premier League clubs had presumed that he would be re-signing at Borussia Dortmund – but that is not the case,” Bailey told TEAMtalk.

“Dortmund don’t often lose stars in this manner and this will hurt them, being homegrown. I understand that Dortmund are facing up to the prospect of losing him now as their offer to him is way off what he wants or indeed what he can get elsewhere.

“It is no surprise that Premier League clubs are virtually queueing up to land him. Chelsea and Newcastle have both made offers, we know that, but they are not alone.

“I am told Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United are all keeping abreast of the situation and are ready to come in.”

Premier League clubs may miss out though as FC Barcelona are the “real threat to everyone”.

“Juventus, Napoli and Atletico Madrid also like him a lot, but the one foreign team who is the real threat to everyone is Barcelona,” Bailey added.

“I am told Moukoko has always been a huge fan of the club and sees the prospect of moving to the Nou Camp as something of a dream.

“Dortmund are continuing talks but they are very much starting to accept that they are set to lose one of their best ever prospects this summer – but they haven’t given up yet.”

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