Chelsea to rival Liverpool for Leipzig midfielder

Chelsea could reportedly offer potential competition to Liverpool in the pursuit of highly-rated RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita.

The Guinea international has been one of the many standout performers for Leipzig, who have outperformed in their first season in the Bundesliga.

Leipzig are guaranteed a place in next season's Champions League via their domestic position, but they still face the prospect of losing key players during the coming transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are understood to have watched Keita on several occasions during the ongoing campaign, but they may still have to fend off interest from league rivals Chelsea, The Sun claims.

Antonio Conte's side made the most of the previous summer transfer window after having recruited N'Golo Kante, who has gone on to win the PFA Player of the Year accolade.

And the Blues are now on the search for a player of a similar mould with Keita earning plaudits for his tireless work rate on the playing field.

Keita has directly contributed to 15 goals for Leipzig, who are on course to earn a runners-up finish to the Bundesliga season this term.