Chelsea enter Alisson race but Roma claim no bids received

The dynamics of the race for Liverpool target Alisson have reportedly shifted after Chelsea expressed concrete interest in the Brazilian, but Roma have denied that a formal offer has been made.

The Mail cite a report from Spanish publication Marca suggesting that the Blues have jumped to head of the queue for the ‘keeper Klopp identified as his number-one target.

They are reportedly willing to meet Roma’s £62million valuation, which is said to be deterring Liverpool and Real Madrid from stepping-up their pursuit.

Talks between the London club and the Serie A side supposedly got underway this week.

Chelsea already have the highly-rated Thibaut Courtois between the sticks but Maurizio Sarri, the favourite to take over from Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge, is believed to have his eye on Alisson, who enjoyed an excellent 2017/18 campaign.

The 25-year-old is keen to leave Roma and his preference is understood to be a move to Real Madrid, but Los Blancos could look at other targets if their efforts to negotiate a better deal prove fruitless.

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TERESOPOLIS, BRAZIL – MAY 24: Goalkeeper Alisson Becker in action during a training session of the Brazilian national football team at the squad’s Granja Comary training complex on May 24, 2018 in Teresopolis, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

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As it stands, Liverpool do not intend to make a bid, though they may be tempted to change their stance if indeed their top-four rivals have serious designs on the Brazil no.1.

Any deal is unlikely to be struck until after the World Cup, particularly as Roma, according to Director of Football Monchi, have yet to receive a formal approach.

“As of now we’ve had no offers for Alisson,” he told reporters. “All I think about is waiting for the World Cup to finish, but hopefully for Brazil that’s as late as possible, then he can rest, come here, and train with his team-mates.

“I want to make it clear: as of now no offer has arrived. I’ve read so much but no offer has come in. That’s the reality, and I have to work with reality.”

Liverpool set out to find a new no.1 after the incumbent Loris Karius made two decisive errors in the Champions League final but have faced frustration thus far.

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Source: anfieldhq.com