Chelsea overtake Liverpool in race for in-demand World Cup star

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Chelsea have seemingly advanced into pole position in the battle to sign Roma’s Alisson this summer.

The Brazilian goalkeeper had been subject to strong interest from Liverpool and emerged as Jurgen Klopp’s priority target in his search for a new no.1.

Liverpool recently diffused their pursuit having been reluctant to meet Roma’s reported asking-price of around £70million.

The club’s step-back consequently paved the way for Real Madrid to make their move, although president Florentino Pérez has similarly hinted he is unwilling to match the entirety of Alisson’s valuation.

Chelsea have since held talks over a deal and are willing to make an offer close to Roma’s price-tag, reports the Daily Mail.

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Chelsea’s alleged progress in the deal means the future of Thibaut Courtois could be decided shortly after the World Cup.

It was revealed after the 2017/2018 season that the Belgium goalkeeper would likely be leaving the club this summer as a result of contract negotiations breaking down.

A decision on Alisson’s future looms as a potential trigger to a domino effect, with the Bernabeu posing as a realistic destination for Courtois if Chelsea can agree a deal.

That would leave Liverpool in a trickier situation, with few viable alternatives having surfaced.

There is seemingly a growing feeling on Merseyside that Klopp could opt to keep his faith in Loris Karius and Danny Ward as his two main shot-stoppers, despite the former’s torrid Champions League final.

Rumours linking Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha and Burnley’s Nick Pope as targets have also been swiftly quashed by reliable journalists surrounding the club.

Meanwhile, Simon Mignolet is expected to depart in search of regular first-team football having fallen out of favour.

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