Liverpool have been linked with a move for 19-year-old Chelsea forward Dominic Solanke – with the England under-21 international likely to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
Solanke, who made his debut for Chelsea back in 2014 aged 17, is reportedly £50,000-per-week to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge, with his current deal expiring in the summer.
While the claim of such high wage demands for a youngster is alarming, his seeming availability has seen Liverpool and Arsenal linked with a move.
One report in London this week claimed Solanke “has been telling friends he is going to sign for Liverpool.”
However, Liverpool are said to have played down any such reports linking them with a move – and none of the usual Merseyside based reporters have mentioned a move for Solanke, who scored seven goals while on loan at Vitesse Arnhem last season.
Dominic Solanke on his way to Liverpool from Chelsea in the summer. Told Chelsea youth staff are split on his potential.
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) February 17, 2017
Solanke has played just 17 minutes for Chelsea‘s first-team, and former Chelsea youth coach and Liverpool U23s coach Michael Beale recently told This Is Anfield:
“Sometimes you can have 20 meters [between the academy and first-team sites] but if the first team staff are not interested in the academy then that can feel like 20 miles.”
The Basingstoke-born forward has scored twice in his last three games for Chelsea U23s, but has been left out of their squad to play Wolves in the FA Cup this weekend.
Speaking about the situation this week, Antonio Conte said:
“I think this is his will. This question is better to ask him. I think for a young player to stay in a great team is a great opportunity.
“We have to respect every decision. Obviously I have spoken with him to try and understand his will.
“I repeat we must respect every decision. His contract expires in June. I wish for him and his family in the future. I am not sure.”
With doubts over Daniel Sturridge‘s future at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp will certainly be in the market for at least one new forward this summer.
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