Chelsea & Liverpool linked with a move to sign £25m defender but face tough battle to seal deal

Liverpool and Chelsea have reportedly been linked with a move for Brentford defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, according to a report from TEAMtalk. The 21-year-old Senegal international left-back joined Brentford last summer after spending the previous campaign with West Ham United, though Brentford reportedly have no intention of sanctioning a permanent sale anytime soon.

Diouf is currently under contract with Brentford until 2031, with the club holding an additional one-year option. Liverpool are reportedly assessing long-term options at left-back, while Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is seeking a natural left wing-back to fit his tactical setup.