Chelsea ‘tried to sign ex-Liverpool striker before transfer deadline slam shut in shock plot to bolster attacking line’

CHELSEA launched a shock deadline bid for an ex-Liverpool striker who destroyed them last weekend.

But Nottingham Forest flatly rejected Mauricio Pochettino‘s approach for Taiwo Awoniyi.

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Rex

That’s the claim from The Athletic – as Chelsea are left with just Nicolas Jackson and newly-fit Armando Broja as main attacking options. 

Nigeria star Awoniyi, 26, failed to break in his six years with Liverpool.

But after SEVEN loan spells his career took off when he departed Anfield permanently for Union Berlin in 2021.

He then stepped up again by joining Forest for £17million in June last year.

And his explosive late-season form was a major reason why Steve Cooper’s men avoided relegation in their first campaign back in the top flight.

Awoniyi has been just as influential early this term – particularly at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.

He tormented Chelsea throughout and supplied the only goal of the game for Forest sub Anthony Elanga on 48 minutes.

That came only 48 hours after the Blues reportedly spoke to the East Midlands club about their 6ft star.

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Stamford Bridge chief Pochettino is largely relying on 22-year-old Jackson up front because fellow summer signing Christopher Nkunku, 25, could be out until January.

France ace Nkunku was outstanding in pre-season but then suffered a knee problem.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Albanian Broja is only just up to full speed after rupturing his ACL last December.

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