Liverpool beat by PL rivals to "phenomenal" £20m signing, he could be a new Bellingham - opinion

Liverpool were reportedly interested in signing Carney Chukwuemeka this summer, however, a new update has emerged that has confirmed the Reds will miss their chance.

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Chukwuemeka this summer.

Romano tweeted: “More on Carney Chukwuemeka deal. Been told player will travel to London tonight, fee around £15m plus add ons. Chelsea will seal six year deal, valid until 2028.

“Medical scheduled on Wednesday for Carney who’ll be unveiled as new signing later this week.”

Chelsea have also released a statement saying they have an agreement in place to seal his signature, with other reports suggesting the add-ons take a deal to £20m.

It is reported that Jude Bellingham is a top priority transfer for Liverpool next summer with the transfer fee potentially adding up to around £103m, but what if they could have signed a rising star that cost a fraction of the price?

Jurgen Klopp is renowned for acquiring players and turning them into superstars, so the signing of Chukwuemeka may well have been the perfect opportunity to develop his very own Bellingham at Anfield, instead of waiting with hope to sign the Borussia Dortmund star.

The move to Chelsea comes as the young midfielder was adamant about not signing a new contract with Aston Villa which saw Steven Gerrard leave Chukwuemeka out of his pre-season squad that travelled to Australia this summer, further fuelling speculation around a move for the player as he entered the last 12 months of his contract.

The talented teenager has been drawing attention to himself for his performances in the Premier League 2 and continued to do so this summer in the England U19s