Transfer Rumour: Liverpool enter talks with Willian over free transfer

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Willian, set to become a free agent at the expiration of his Chelsea deal, over a possible summer move.

According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, as carried out by Sport Witness, Willian is the subject of interest from Liverpool over a move in the summer transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights are in talks with the Brazilian winger, who is set to leave Chelsea when his deal runs out at the end of the season.

Willian has been at Chelsea since the summer of 2013 and has since been a mainstay in attack for the Blues. Over the last seven years or so, the 31-year-old has accumulated over 300 appearances for the west London club, although his output has not been too impressive, with a tally of just 59 goals and as many assists to show for his efforts while at Chelsea.

Nevertheless, he has been regarded as a key component in the Chelsea squad by just about every manager he has played under. However, the Blues now look set to lose the Brazilian international, whose current deal runs out this summer, on a free transfer, having failed to agree terms over a new contract. Several clubs have since been linked with him, with Liverpool the latest suitors.

The interest from Liverpool is interesting, seeing as they have one of the most formidable attacking units in Europe. However, there is very little in way of quality backup, especially with Xherdan Shaqiri spending much of the season on the sidelines. The Swiss international has also been linked with a possible summer exit.

Impressive youngster Harvey Elliott is seen as one for the future, but he is currently too young to be considered as a regular in the first-team squad. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty surrounding Harry Wilson’s future, while Takumi Minamino excels more through the middle.

All things considered, Chelsea superstar Willian emerges as a viable target for Liverpool. As for Chelsea themselves, it looks like former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho could end up replacing Willian at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool, though, are in talks with Willian over a possible free transfer, if Spanish outlet Sport (h/t Sport Witness) are to be believed. The report further states that the negotiations between the Reds and the Chelsea winger are on ‘very favourable conditions’, meaning that the 31-year-old could perhaps, be given attractive terms by Liverpool.

However, the reliable Liverpool Echo have claimed that the Merseyside club are pursuing a move for the player. The contradicting claims leave much to be desired, but there is no denying that the future of Willian is not at Chelsea and it remains to be seen where he will end up this summer, if not at Liverpool.