CHELSEA and Liverpool are paying close attention to Switzerland Under-21s captain Roggerio Nyakossi.
The OH Leuven centre-back, 22, is approaching the final year of his contract and is all set to move on this summer.
Nyakossi was the subject of interest from clubs in England, Germany and Italy in January but stayed in Belgium to help Leuven beat the drop.
With that mission now complete, SunSport understands that a switch to a major European league is being lined up.
Chelsea and Liverpool have been making checks on Nyakossi and plan to closely track his situation between now and the summer transfer window.
A host of other Premier League clubs are monitoring the 6ft 4in giant including Everton, West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
And various suitors from elsewhere in Europe could also enter the fray.
Marseille struck a buy-back agreement when they sold Nyakossi to Leuven last year, and they are interested in reuniting with him in France.
But personal terms would still need to be agreed with the player – which could leave a window of opportunity for other clubs even if Marseille act.
Sources suggest a summer deal would likely cost around £8million.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Nyakossi was asked about the speculation surrounding his future earlier this month, and he admitted: “It is of course always pleasing when big teams are interested.”
Chelsea have consistently gone after prospects under the age of 25 since their takeover in 2022.
Liverpool signed teenage defender Giovanni Leoni last summer and agreed a deal for 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe in January.
But Ibrahima Konate will be a free agent this summer, and the contracts of fellow centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will expire in 2027.
