Chelsea ‘lead race’ to sign £40m forward but face Liverpool transfer battle

Chelsea are reportedly one of two clubs leading the race to sign Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville.

The Blues are currently searching for a new manager following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure last week. Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has been identified as the number one candidate and

Despite no manager being in place at Stamford Bridge, several potential new signings are already being linked with a move this summer.

Summerville is one such player who has been credited as a possible target for Chelsea when the transfer window opens.

According to The Sun, Chelsea are leading the race to sign Summerville from Leeds this summer. It has been claimed that the Blues are joined by Liverpool at the front of the queue to sign the versatile forward.

Summerville won the Championship player of the season this year with Leeds, scoring 21 goals in all competitions.

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However, Leeds’ failure to be promoted to the Premier League has led to speculation that the Elland Road club could be forced to sell some of their star players this summer.

The report goes on to claim that Chelsea will also face competition from West Ham, Fulham and Bournemouth in the battle to sign Summerville. Previous rumours have suggested that Leeds may demand a fee in the region of £30 million to sanction Summerville’s exit from the club, while this report states that Leeds value that forward between £35 million and £40 million.

However, despite Chelsea reportedly showing a strong interest in signing Summerville, it has been claimed that Liverpool may hold the advantage in any deal. The Anfield club are reported to have been sending scouts to watch the 22-year-old in action for several months and could have the edge over the Blues as a result.