Liverpool suffer double transfer blow as Chelsea plan to hijack £90m+ moves

Liverpool have suffered a significant transfer blow following reports of Chelsea's latest transfer shortlist, which includes two of Jurgen Klopp's key summer targets.

Liverpool are tipped for a major overhaul at the end of the season, with the Merseyside club's list of targets seemingly growing by the day.

The Reds' midfield is in particular need of rejuvenation, with the likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all rumoured with an exit.

Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield, with the Daily Mail claiming that the Reds sent scouts to watch the defensive midfielder play over the weekend.

His tenacious and hard-working style of play would suit Liverpool, who have looked out of sorts defensively this campaign.

However, Chelsea are also keen on the Uruguayan, along with Liverpool target Romeo Lavia, according to the Evening Standard.

Liverpool dealt double transfer blow

The report states that Chelsea have drawn up a four-man shortlist which includes Ugarte, Southampton midfielder Lavia, Borussia Mönchengladbach's Manu Kone and West Ham star Declan Rice.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri previously reported that Chelsea held a meeting with the Lavia's representatives over a potential summer move.

While The Athletic claimed that the Blues submitted a £50 million bid for the 19-year-old in January, which was promptly turned down by Saints.

However, Southampton are rock bottom of the Premier League table and with their top-flight status hanging by a thread, Lavia may be available at a cut-price.

Over in Portugal, Ugarte looks destined for a move abroad, with a transfer described as 'practically inevitable' by Portuguese publication O Jogo. Although the 22-year-old has a hefty £53 million release clause attached to his contract.

Nevertheless, Chelsea's need to stay within the laws of Financial Fair Play could hand Klopp the advantage, with a clear route to the first-team mapped out for either midfielder.