Liverpool and Chelsea have allegedly involved themselves in the race for Slavia Prague defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after players during the winter transfer window courtesy of his performances for the Czech side.
From the left-hand side of the pitch, a total of eight goals and three assists have come from 38 appearances, while he already has eight outings to his name in the Europa League.
Crystal Palace are known to be admirers of the Senegal international as they bid to strengthen their wing-back options, it being claimed that the Eagles have failed with a recent £14.3m proposal.
Nevertheless, it appears that the Premier League outfit face potential fierce competition from other teams competing in England's top flight.
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Slavia open to business with Liverpool, Chelsea?
Speaking to Kudy Bezi Zajic, Slavia president Jaroslav Tvrdik suggested that he was more willing to do business with Liverpool and Chelsea than a lower-level Premier League side.
Tvrdik said: "If Liverpool and Chelsea, who were also interested in him, had come with an offer of around 17-18 million euros, I would have hesitated to approach it differently from the perspective of promoting the club or the player's interest.
"If Chelsea comes, we wouldn't keep anyone. Nothing will change, it's just not possible objectively. One has to admit that the Czech league and Slavia have some limits.
"Even PSG, when it comes to breaking the bank, won't keep their player and he'll go to Real [Madrid]. We're part of a football chain and we're not at the top of it."
Slavia currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Czech top-flight table, but they have already been eliminated from the Europa League in the League Phase.
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Will Liverpool, Chelsea follow up interest?
At 20 years of age, Diouf certainly fits the profile of player that Chelsea are prepared to purchase.
Furthermore, the pending exit of Renato Veiga to Juventus on loan opens up a spot in their squad for a new left-back, acting as deputy to Marc Cucurella.
With Diouf also capable of being deployed further down the flank, head coach Enzo Maresca may appreciate a player who can help out in the final third.
As for Liverpool, it is plausible that Arne Slot may, at some stage, look for a younger alternative to Andrew Robertson or replace Kostas Tsimikas.
For the time being, however, signing a new left-back is down Liverpool's list of priorities.
Darren Plant
