Liverpool in pursuit of Chelsea star to provide cover during AFCON

Chelsea laid down yet another marker on Tuesday evening, as they cruised to an astounding 4-0 victory over Juventus to leapfrog the Italians and take control of Group H in the Champions League. 

Thomas Tuchel’s side ran out victors over the struggling Serie A side courtesy of goals from Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner, who was making his return after a month out through injury.

The win was the Blues’ 13th win of the season across all competitions, while it was also their 12th clean sheet of the campaign.

With Werner following Cristian Pulisic in returning from injury and Romelu Lukaku fit enough for a place on the bench on Tuesday, there is plenty of reasons for optimism for Blues fans.

Now, though, it appears that Chelsea could face a battle to keep hold of one of their attackers.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Blues’ Premier League rivals Liverpool are keen on winger Cristian Pulisic.

The report suggests that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has identified the American as the perfect candidate to provide cover for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, who are both set to take part in the African Cup of Nations in the new year.

Klopp will lose a key duo in the new year.

Despite scoring on his return to the starting line up against Leicester City on Saturday and starting against Juve on Tuesday, Pulisic’s role under Tuchel is still in some doubt.

The likes of Mason Mount, Werner and Hudson-Odoi all appear to be ahead of the U.S international in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, while Hakim Ziyech also provides further competition for places in the wide attacking roles.

The report suggests that Klopp could be tempted to make a move for the 23-year-old in January, with AFCON likely to leave him with only Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino as attacking options.

While Chelsea are believed to have no interest in selling Pulisic and would be even less likely to do so to title rivals Liverpool, the start of the January transfer window in the new year could be of interest to both sides.