Chelsea have emerged as challengers to Liverpool in the race for Fulham's French midfielder Steed Malbranque.
The Reds have long been linked with a move for Malbranque and were thought to be gearing up for a summer capture.
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Fulham midfielder
Steed Malbranque |
Fulham's former number two Christian Damiano, who worked very closely with Malbranque during his time with The Cottagers, has just joined Liverpool's backroom staff and that seemed to further enhance the chances of a move.
However, sources in France have now revealed that Chelsea are now leading the race for Malbranque.
The French star is obviously tempted by a move to Liverpool, but the chance to remain in West London is also a temptation - plus Chelsea can offer Champions League football.
Blues striker Ediur Gudjohnsen was linked with an unlikely move to Loftus Road at the weekend and that could be part of a possible Malbranque bid.
The Gudjohnsen link is highly tenuous and the Icelander is unlikely to accept a move to Fulham, even if Chelsea accept a bid or offer him elsewhere.
Any possible Malbranque move is unlikely to be linked with Gudjohnsen and is probably more to do with the fact that they have just seen Jody Morris depart Stamford Bridge.
Blues manager Caudio Ranieri admitted numerous times last season that he was very happy with the size of his squad, so there was never going to be major comings and goings.
However, he will want to try and replace Morris - who played an important role in the squad last season - and Malbranque could be the man they turn to.