Chelsea & Liverpool To Battle Over German Defender As Agent Confirms Interest

The summer transfer window is now closed for another year but it’s not time to look back on those deals that didn’t go through and those that are being lined-up for the future. Today, the race for Niklas Sule hots-up…

Chelsea are ready to battle-it-out with Liverpool over the signing of Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule after his agent confirmed interest from the Premier League, according to a report in the Mirror.

Sule has progressed through the youth system at Hoffenheim having joined the club six years ago and has already made almost 70 appearances since breaking in to the first team set-up in 2013.

The 21-year-old’s potential has alerted a whole host of clubs throughout Europe with the Mirror claiming that Liverpool have been showing a keen interest along with the likes of Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan, Napoli and Roma.

Jurgen Klopp will know Sule well from his time in Germany with Borussia Dortmund and the Liverpool boss could be eyeing the youngster as a potential replacement for Mamadou Sakho – who’s fallen out-of-favour at Anfield.

However, it looks like the Merseysiders are going to face even stiffer competition for the centre-back’s services as the Mirror are citing a report coming from Bild that suggests Chelsea have also been chasing the talented defender.

Antonio Conte splashed out on the signings of David Luiz and Marcos Alonso on deadline day but it appears the Italian tactician was also keen on luring Sule to Stamford Bridge as he looked to further strengthen his defensive options.

Sule’s agent, Karl-Heinz Forster, has been quoted as confirming that there was interest from England in the centre-back during the summer and he expects the clubs to make fresh moves for the player next year.

Forster is quoted as saying by the Mirror:

“Yes, the interest was there. And the English have made it clear that their interest next year is still valid.”

Sule reportedly decided to remain with Hoffenheim for another season to further develop his talents but may feel he’s ready to take the next step in his career in 12 months time.

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It appears Chelsea and Liverpool will be battling-it-out for his signature and he’d be an excellent signing as Sule has already made his debut for the senior Germany team and played a key role in helping his country reach the final at the Olympic Games in Rio this summer.