Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Atalanta and Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie.
The 20-year-old has earned raved reviews this seasons thanks to his performances in Serie A, and is regarded as one of the best young prospects in Europe.
Chelsea are also said to be monitoring Kessie's situation, and had been hoping to wait until the summer to make a bid for the midfielder. However, they may have to push their transfer action forward in order to sign Kessie, with the Blueshavingalready seen a £22m bid rejected by Atalanta
Corriere Dello Sportreport Kessie could attract a bid of up to £35m from Liverpool, who have sent scoutsto watch the midfielder at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Reds are reportedly not bothered by making their true intentions known by rivals Chelsea, who are also interested and said to be involved in transfer talks with Atalanta over the possible sale of Kessie.
Atalanta are not eager to sell Kessie during January but could be convinced should a high enough transfer offer be received. The Italian club are in no rush to sell Kessie, who has a contract with the side until 2021.
Ivory Coast are among the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and Kessie has been tipped to play a large role for the Elephants. The likes of Eric Bailly, Salomon Kalou and Wilfried Zaha have been picked for the country's squad, while Senegal and Algeria have also been touted as possible winners of the competition.