Chelsea Hijacks Liverpool Move For Franck Kessie

Chelsea are set to sign Atlanta midfielder Franck Kessie ahead of Liverpool, according to reports in Italy.

The 19-year-old midfielder looks to be on his way to Stamford Bridge following reports in the Corriere dello Sport that the player’s agent, Georges Atangana met with Chelsea officials this week to thrash details of a potential move to London in January.

Liverpool are said to be interested in signing the midfielder but it appears the Blues are ready to nick the midfielder in the next transfer window.

The Ivorian star has been an integral part of Atalanta squad this season, as they sit sixth in the Serie A, scoring five goals in 11 appearances this season.

However, Kessie is set to feature for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations next month and will miss the second stage of the season if he eventually joins Chelsea.

Despite the Blues strong start to the Premier League campaign, Antonio Conte is said to be hoping to bolster his options this winter.

With the imminent transfer of Oscar to the Chinese league, the Blues are ready to pounce on an ideal replacement for the Brazilian.

Though, the Atlanta midfielder had earlier confessed to being a Manchester United Fan, speaking to Sky Italia, he said: ‘Now I want to learn Italian tactics but in the future, I like the Premier League. I’d like to play for Manchester United.

‘I don’t know if [Jose] Mourinho will be there, but Manchester United has always been my favourite team.’