Liverpool send scouts to watch RB Leipzig star and Chelsea transfer target Christopher Nkunku

CHELSEA target Christopher Nkunku is being checked out by Liverpool in case his move from RB Leipzig to Chelsea stalls.

Kop chiefs sent a top spy to look at the French forward, 24, in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League win over Celtic.

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But even Anfield insiders fear they have missed the boat.

Chelsea are well down the line with their move for Nkunku — even though lots can change between now and the end of the season, when a deal is lined up to go through.

Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson was also at the Celtic game.

But he was keeping an eye on the Scottish side’s 21-year-old midfielder Matt O’Riley, who is also liked by Crystal Palace.

Nkunku isn’t the only RB Leipzig star in Chelsea’s sights.

Reports claim the Blues remain eager on teammate Josko Gvardiol.

Former boss Thomas Tuchel wanted the Croatian defender last summer.

An offer was put in with a view to Gvardiol joining next year.

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But Leipzig rejected Chelsea’s bid before handing the centre-back a new deal.

However, the Blues would still like to bring Gvardiol to Stamford Bridge.

It’s reckoned Todd Boehly is having regular meetings with his Leipzig counterparts to get a deal done.

And Chelsea could end up paying a mammoth £80million as they look to rebuild their defence under Graham Potter.