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Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United may all have to accelerate their own transfer plans after learning of a European giant’s reported midfield shortlist.

The three Premier League clubs are considered the main threats to champions Manchester City for the title this season. They all spent in the summer to varying degrees. Liverpool made one signing, Ibrahima Konate, whereas the funds were a bit more free flowing at Chelsea and United.

The Blues brought back Romelu Lukaku for a club-record fee, before the loan addition of Saul Niguez. United, of course, re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo after other high-profile deals for Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.

But each of those squads still have areas to address for the future. Some are looking in a similar direction in that regard. All three have been tipped to strengthen their midfields.

If Saul is just a short-term solution for Chelsea, they will look to make a different permanent signing next year. Liverpool did not replace Georginio Wijnaldum in the summer and may require more depth, even if Jurgen Klopp insists not. Meanwhile, United are still at risk of losing Paul Pogba. They may need someone more defensive to bring the best out of him anyway if he stays.

Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has confirmed a return to Juventus remains a possibility. Indeed, the Serie A side are also looking to reinforce their midfield, which has never really been as effective since the Frenchman left.

But he is seemingly not their top target after a report listed two potential options for them – each of whom has suitors in the Premier League.

After adding Manuel Locatelli to their midfield this summer, Juventus will look to make another signing there in 2022. After an indifferent start to the season, they could even act in January.

In the process, they could force Premier League clubs looking at their targets to speed up.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the first name on Juve’s two-man shortlist is Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni.

Journalist Nicolo Ceccarini told the Italian site that Tchouameni would be “perfect” for Juventus due to his ability to “defend and attack with ease”. If they can sell either Aaron Ramsey or Weston McKennie, they may make an attempt to sign him in the winter.

That said, he revealed that Chelsea are “ready to accelerate” their own attempts to sign Tchouameni. In fact, they could make a “very attractive proposal” to beat the competition from Juventus.

Chelsea’s interest in Tchouameni has been evident for a few months under the premise that he may be a cheaper target than Declan Rice. While they have shown their ability to spend big in recent years, it may help them address other areas as well if they can get a good deal for the teenager.

Juventus are aiming to beat them to him, though. But if not, they will look at someone linked with Manchester United and Liverpool.

Juventus target Tielemans as Tchouameni alternative

Youri Tielemans is the alternative in question after recently indicating that he is taking his time over contract talks with Leicester City.

The former Monaco man was a statement signing for Leicester in 2019 and they have been enjoying him ever since. He scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final earlier this year and was named man of the match.

He is on a contract until 2023 and has said he is keeping his options open. There has been interest from big clubs even before he went to Leicester.

Ceccarini’s write-up for TMW revealed Juventus are ready to rival Liverpool and Man Utd for Tielemans’ signature.

The details were not as clear as those for Tchouameni. But it is clear that Tielemans will only have enhanced his reputation with his performances for Leicester in recent years.

While Premier League rivals will be well aware, though, it seems interest from the continent is also there for the Belgian.

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