Liverpool to SACRIFICE centre-back to land dream double deal

It's fair to say there's a little bit of transfer friction between Liverpool and Chelsea right now.

The Reds managed to snatch young academy prospect Rio Ngumoha off The Blues last summer, a transfer that left the London club seething.

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The two teams might be locked against each other in another transfer battle, although this time it is set to be for a shared target rather than a player already connected to each club.

Liverpool are likely to have the upper hand, given the needs of the squad, the track record of the executives in the recruitment department and the club's status as soon-to-be Premier League winners.

But in order for each team to come away feeling positive this summer, a compromise could be reached.

Liverpool eye Chelsea star if a move falls into place

One of the Reds' most linked targets for the transfer window is Jorrel Hato, a young 19-year-old left-footed defender, who is currently spending his time at Ajax.

The Dutchman has previously visited Anfield to see his former teammate Ryan Gravenberch and he is rumoured of a potential move to the Reds to become the team's new centre-back or left-back.

However, according to Simon Phillips, it was Chelsea who had spoken to the player's representatives this week.

Liverpool will not want to let their chances of signing Hato slip through their fingers without a fight, but even if Hato does go elsewhere, the opportunity to sign Levi Colwill could be one worth taking them up on.

The Englishman is only 22 years old, so while his performance levels right now might be deemed 'inconsistent', it is plausible that he could become a really credible asset through working under Arne Slot.

But the link between the two clubs doesn't end there.

Liverpool are also highly linked with Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, a young 20-year-old Spanish centre-back, who has stood out as one of the Premier League's breakout stars this season.

Simon Phillips' report also included updates on Chelsea's interest in the same player.

He added: "Chelsea have been speaking to the people of Dean Huijsen of Bournemouth for a few weeks now and continue to push. He is now likely to stay in the Premier League but it is Liverpool at the moment that look like the most likely destination.

"I've spoken to Liverpool sources, and they are adamant that the club are in pole position to land Huijsen this summer. However, after speaking with SPTC sources, we are ensured that no decision has been made by the player yet and communications are ongoing."

If a deal for Huijsen is secured alongside a deal for Colwill, then Liverpool will have found two excellent replacements for Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez.

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Furthermore, if the only sacrifice for two of Chelsea's players/targets is to let go of Hato, then Liverpool would find themselves having benefitted significantly from the business with the London Blues, as the Reds did when negotiations took place for Ngumoha last summer.

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