Chelsea can save millions on dream Enzo Maresca transfer as Liverpool race to sign £52m star

Chelsea are reportedly poised to hijack Liverpool's pursuit of an elite-level centre-half in the January transfer window, although they could save some £52million if they wait until next summer

Chelsea could save £52million if they hold off on signing Dayot Upamecano until next summer.

The centre-half has impressed with Bayern Munich over the past four years, with three Bundesliga titles and as many German Super Cups to his name. And as a result, Upamecano has been linked with a number of elite-level clubs at present.

With his current deal with the Bavarians set to expire at the end of the current campaign, Bayern may be tempted to cash in come January if they are unable to tie him down to a new contract.

Liverpool are ultimately thought to be interested in securing the 26-year-old's services as an alternative to Marc Guehi, given the Englishman's deadline day transfer from Crystal Palace fell through at the 11th hour this summer.

And in a bid to bring him to Anfield, the board may opt to pay Munich the current price that they value him at - despite having very little time left on his contract. However, it is also thought that Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are among the other interested parties in the star, alongside Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

As per reports from Bild, Bayern are involved in a 'poker game' with Upamecano's camp at present over extending his tenure, with little progress on the horizon. That's despite the player reassuring the club that he remained dedicated and focuses while under contract.

He said: "I feel comfortable here and am happy to work with a very good coach and great players. My agent is talking with the people in charge at Bayern.

"The talks are ongoing. There’s nothing more to say. We’ll see what happens."

It could come as welcoming news to Chelsea, who could save a small fortune in bolstering their backline if they simply bide their time. Should Upamecano see Stamford Bridge as his destination of choice, there's nothing stopping him from running down his deal at the Allianz and joining the Blues on a free in the summer.

However, the move doesn't come without its risks, especially considering Bayern could swoop a small fortune from the sale of the Frenchman if he has his head turned elsewhere.

It comes as Chelsea opted to improve their attack this summer, with Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho all signing long-term deals with the club. While Jorrel Hato also arrived from Ajax, his gametime has been limited in the English capital, despite Maresca's defence being fraught with injury.

However, should Maresca fail to lure Upamecano to Stamford Bridge, the club also have a number of other defensive targets on their shortlist - including Guehi and Nottingham Forest's Murillo.

Maresca will be without a number of key players when his side returns to Premier League action against Sunderland this weekend on home turf. Malo Gusto is currently serving a suspension after receiving a red card against Forest last weekend.

Elsewhere, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill will be unavailable for selection. However, Regis Le Bris is also working with a limited squad as the Black Cats make their way to the capital, with Omar Alderete, Habib Diarra, Romaine Mundle, Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde and Aji Alese all sidelined.