Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly set to fight it out over the future of Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
Cakir has impressed in between the sticks for Trabzonspor this season and is said to have been earmarked by the Blues as a potential replacement for the unconvincing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
However, Liverpool are also interested in the 23-year-old, who they view as a better backup option to Alisson than current second choice goalkeeper Adrian.
A report form Turkish outlet Fotospor has claimed Cakir is high on Chelsea’s wanted list, with Trabzonspor willing to accept a bid of around £20m.
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Former assistant coach Eddie Newton left Stamford Bridge last month to become Trabzonspor’s assistant manager and it is also claimed that he has been giving regular reports to Chelsea about the goalkeeper.
Speaking earlier in the season, the club’s president Ahmet Agaoglu revealed Liverpool’s interest in the player, saying: “There are offers for Cakir, we continue to receive offers. It’s been said Liverpool have made an offer.
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“So a team that is undefeated in the Premier League wants my keeper. In other words Liverpool’s goalkeeper is in my goal.”
Agaoglu has also said the club would be willing to sell the player, saying: “In my opinion, Ugurcan Cakir is one of the three best goalkeepers in Europe and a huge prospect for Turkish football.
“We want £17-21m, it could be as high as £26m for him but of course we also hope he stays.”
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Chelsea and Liverpool are not the only Premier League sides linked with Cakir, with Tottenham , Arsenal , Everton and Newcastle all rumoured to be monitoring his progress.
Sheffield United are also said to have had an £11m bid rejected for the Turkish international.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are set for a major injury boost after Christian Pulisic declared himself "super close" to returning from a groin problem.
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