Chelsea want to beat Liverpool in the race to sign Stade Rennais’ Jérémy Jacquet, and it could see late mega offer from the Blues.
That’s according to Friday’s edition of Ouest-France, who mention Liverpool in a report focusing on Chelsea interest.
Liam Rosenior’s side have been chasing the defender for most of the winter market. The French club have been reluctant to lose him while manager, Habib Beye, has hinted at the possibility of selling him soon.
Four days ago, L’Equipe indicated the Blues have to slightly raise their offer to sign the centre-back. His heart seems to be set on making a switch to Stamford Bridge.
The Ligue 1 side have agreed to sell Kader Meïté to Al-Hilal for €35m. The newspaper also looks at Jacquet’s case following Chelsea and Liverpool interest.
According to them, the 20-year-old is ‘not indifferent’ to what the Club World Cup winners are offering hm. Chelsea are aware of Liverpool’s desire to sign him, and that appears to have given them fresh energy.
Ouest-France state the west London club are keen on signing France U21 international, ‘particularly given the competition from Liverpool’.
Chelsea energised by Liverpool interest
Stade Rennais’ desire is to keep the player until the end of this season. However, the report insists the French club will have to make a decision if Chelsea were to make a bid over €60m in ‘the next few hours’.
In that case, Stade Rennais have to be cautious how they handle it, especially considering tomorrow’s clash against AS Monaco.
On Thursday, Beye said the situation with some players isn’t ideal.
“There are situations at the club that are unsettling for some players. It’s destabilising quite a few people… These are difficult periods for young players to navigate. We accept this moment, we were prepared for it, it’s logical, it’s human!” he said.
Chelsea will have to make an offer over €60m to stand a chance of signing Jacquet before Monday’s deadline, and Liverpool may be encouraging them to do so.