CHELSEA are reportedly hoping to pip Manchester United to the signing of RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate.
The Blues believe they have an edge in negotiations as Thomas Tuchel’s assistant coach Zsolt Low knows the player from their time at Leipzig together.
Chelsea are hoping to edge out Manchester United for RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima KonateCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And Bild journalist Christian Falk reports Chelsea are still interested in signing 21-year-old Konate
The report states Hungarian Low, 41, will try to convince the Frenchman that his future lies in West London.
Low was No2 at Leipzig between 2015 and 2018, before linking up with Tuchel at PSG.
Konate has also impressed Real Madrid and Arsenal with his assured displays in the heart of the defence.
United have made no secret of their desire to sign a star centre-back this summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for a long-term partner for skipper Harry Maguire at the back with Victor Lindelof nursing a troublesome back complaint.
Konate operates in a back three at Leipzig and with Tuchel using the same system at Chelsea he would fit straight in if he became one of the German’s first Stamford Bridge signings.
The France Under-21 international has been plagued by injury in his young career.
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Konate has made just 17 Bundesliga appearances since the start of last season after struggling with an ankle injury and muscle tear.
He signed for Leipzig from Sochaux in 2017 and has shone alongside compatriot Dayot Upamecano.
But with Upamecano’s departure for Bayern Munich already confirmed, it remains to be seen whether Leipzig will let another top French defender go.
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Chelsea boss Tuchel comments his defencesive tactics against Everton
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
