Chelsea exit race for Ordonez, leaving Liverpool likely to sign youngster

Liverpool will seal a transfer package to sign Ecuador international defender Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge this week, after Chelsea were unwilling to match the Belgian side's reported 30 million euro valuation. The 21-year-old centre-back is seen as one of Europe's brightest defensive prospects and has already appeared 14 times for Ecuador's national team, and will add defensive cover for Arne Slot's squad ahead of the second half of the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea have decided to pursue other targets after Ordonez himself ruled out a move to West London, indicating that his dream is to play for Liverpool and that the club have even told him he will be playing alongside his hero Virgil van Dijk next season as there remains uncertainty over the long-term future of partner Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool will fly Ordonez to Anfield to discuss personal terms this weekend, with the player expected to sign a six-year deal at the club, and provide valuable cover and balance to Slot's squad for the remainder of the season. Ordonez will not be available for this weekend's game against Fulham.