Liverpool have brand new challenger ahead of summer's biggest transfer punch-up

Could Chelsea make any Jadon Sancho interest harder for Liverpool?

Jadon Sancho is a man in demand (Image: Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

For those of a certain age, and of a certain inclination for video games, and of a certain abstract mindset, the transfer window can often resemble a game of Street Fighter. Or, for the more gore-obsessed teenager, Mortal Kombat.

There is a goal at the end of the game, the cut-scene at the end of the journey, and it is the player a club wants to sign. Obstacle by obstacle, fighter by fighter, the journey progresses; interest registered, discussions held, options weighed up. But just as the final boss comes into view, just before M Bison and Shang Tsung stand in the way of completion, in comes an unexpected problem. Enter Player Two.

Liverpool, right now, could be considered Player One in the race for Jadon Sancho. Jurgen Klopp has refused to be drawn on rumours of the club's interest but, perhaps more tellingly, he has refused to rule anything out either. Liverpool are the European champions, Premier League leaders and sit as one of the most attractive sides to sign for, coached by one of the world's best. Even if the coin has not even been put into the slot yet, it feels Liverpool and Sancho are starting on a higher level than most.There could be problems if Sancho was identified as an option, either next month or in the summer. The obvious ones have already been linked; Manchester United and Manchester City are among those, with continental giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF also put into the conversation for the Borussia Dortmund star.

But this fresh problem, this Player Two, has entered the game. With a blue cape and tiresome exuberance, here comes Chelsea, armed with a lot of money and the desperation to spend it. The London club can now sign players in January, after their FIFA-imposed transfer ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration. The Telegraph reports the club could give coach Frank Lampard access to a £150million budget ($197million), and they're not afraid to use it.

It will be interesting to see the approach Lampard, who has done well with a self-imposed hand tied behind his back, chooses (or, rather, the direction the club moves in, steered by those above the former midfielder). Continue investing in youth and rebranding themselves as the go-to place for exciting youngsters, or fire their flamethrower of funding towards the market in January.

Well, how about both? The aforementioned report has placed Sancho in the frame for a move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, it seems, has entered the game.

Although US national team star Christian Pulisic arrived (also from Dortmund) in the summer, and Callum Hudson-Odoi also fits the profile of a progressive wide player, both Pedro and Willian are expected to depart soon. Eden Hazard left in pre-season for Real Madrid, too. There is as much of a space for Sancho at Chelsea, as there is Liverpool.

If Liverpool do pursue Sancho, there will be a battle to ensure it isn't Game Over for their interest. Round one. Fight
Ref:liverpool.com