Chelsea 'battling' Liverpool to land breakthrough star with four senior goals

Chelsea are said to be likely to battle Liverpool for a La Liga talent this January. The Blues have already been very busy in the transfer window across 2023, spending big both in January and in the summer windows.

Though, their spending hasn't been matched by success, with Mauricio Pochettino still struggling to get consistent results out of his team, who sit in 10th and nine points off the top four, and that's despite defeating Tottenham on Monday.

Injuries haven't helped, but Chelsea have also struggled to get the best out of their big-money signings, with the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk failing to hit the ground running. But still in need of a signing here and there, Chelsea are being linked with a move for Real Betis star Assane Diao.

The 18-year-old, who can play as a winger and up top, has made a big breakthrough this season, scoring four goals in 10 senior appearances, while he has also scored two in four games for the Andalusian club's youth side. Diao's form appears to be attracting attention from the Premier League, with both Chelsea and Liverpool interested, according to Fichajes.

Diao is under contract with Betis until 2027, but with his value quickly rising, now may be the time to strike. But given his youth, it's unlikely the youngster would go straight into either of those starting XIs, but there could be a deal to be done where Diao returns to Betis on loan.

Betis will likely show resistance to selling, with their starting striker Willian Jose now 31 years of age, while they don't have any pressing financial concerns, given they are in the Europa League and have steadily qualified for Europe over recent years. Though, as is required in Spain, Diao will have a release clause that Betis are free to renegotiate with a new contract should a club activate that clause.