Liverpool are reportedly among a few clubs looking to swoop for Chelsea teenager Lewis Bate.
The 18-year-old is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer, and he is said to be in a stand-off with the Blues over a new deal.
As a result, Chelsea could opt to sell Bate this summer rather than watch a talented prospect leave for nothing in 2022, and a number of Premier League sides have supposedly been alerted to the situation.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on developments surrounding the youngster, but West Ham United, Leeds United and Southampton are all interested as well.
Bate is yet to make his senior debut for Thomas Tuchel's side, but he has made the bench on three occasions, once in the FA Cup, Champions League and Premier League.
The midfielder - capable of playing in a six or eight role - has scored six goals and assisted five more for Chelsea at Under-18s level, and he made 20 Premier League 2 appearances for the Under-23s last season.
Ben Knapton
