Chelsea, Liverpool in chase for Ligue 1 defender

Chelsea and Liverpool will reportedly battle it out with Fiorentina for the services of Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou.

The Cameroon international is in the final year of his contract at Marseille. and talks have stalled over a contract extension.

According to Foot365, the talented centre-back has refused to hold further contract talks, and is keen on sealing a switch away from Stade Velodrome at the earliest opportunity.

The report adds that the Blues and Reds may have a tough task of landing the defender with La Viola open to guaranteeing the player with a regular starting role.

N'Koulou is free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January.