Chelsea chiefs 'block' transfer deal that would massively help Liverpool and Man Utd

Chelsea's transfer stance regarding wonderkid Josh Acheampong could have knock-on effects for Liverpool and Manchester United.

The three Premier League heavyweights will be closely monitoring Real Madrid's search for a new full-back as it could have consequences for all of them.

According to The Independent, 18-year-old Chelsea prospect Acheampong has become a serious transfer target for Los Blancos, who are looking for reinforcements following Dani Carvajal's long-term injury. But the same report indicates that Enzo Maresca's team intends to block this move because it does not intend to sell one of the best recent products of its academic system.

Real satisfying their desire for a full-back by signing Acheampong would no doubt prompt a sigh of relief from Liverpool chiefs. The La Liga giants are reportedly considering Trent Alexander-Arnold to replace Carvajal and a contract offer could be put on the table once the January transfer window opens – in which case the Reds' academy product will be left with just six month on his contract.

However, senior figures at the Bernabeu are reportedly increasingly concerned about what kind of salary it would take to lure Alexander-Arnold away from his boyhood club.

As a teenager with little experience in senior management, Acheampong would naturally be entitled to a lower salary. But there's no guarantee he'll reach the same level as Alexander-Arnold once he matures.

United's direct interest is in Alphonso Davies. The Red Devils are believed to be keeping tabs on the flying Bayern Munich full-back who, like Alexander-Arnold, will be a free agent at the end of the season as things stand.

Real Madrid are also keen on Davies and could provide tough competition for United next summer – unless Acheampong's arrival convinces manager Carlo Ancelotti he has sufficient back cover, even if the youngster Chelsea plays mainly on the opposite flank to their Bayern counterpart.

Los Blancos are thin on the pitch on the right but fairly well equipped on the left, where Ferland Mendy is currently claiming the starting role, making Davies a lesser priority.

Chelsea's stated stance is firm and Maresca is a big fan of Acheampong, who made one appearance as a substitute in the Carabao Cup this season and also has admirers at Tottenham and Newcastle.

“I really like Josh,” Maresca said in September. “For me, potentially, he can be a top player, a better defender in the future. With young players I have a lot of experience and I like to moderate them a little because today young players can change very quickly. They can I think quickly that they are so good or so bad, so we have to moderate a little the way in which they reach us.