A contract offer for Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele is expected to be made in January, but the Reds will be up against stiff competition from Chelsea and Manchester City.

An exclusive report from TEAMtalk claims that the Premier League club Liverpool has surfaced as a potential target for Barcelona striker Ousmane Dembele. They want the player who is entering the last year of a contract with the Spanish club. It is now said that the Reds are preparing a contract offer for the Frenchman in January.

The whole idea is to entice him to join them at Anfield at the conclusion of the season. That is, although they will face competition from Chelsea and Manchester City.

Dembele has been at Barcelona since the summer of 2017. That was when he was brought in as a substitute for Neymar after his release from Borussia Dortmund. Despite this, he has had a tough time at Camp Nou. That has been as a result of injuries and fitness difficulties. So far this season, the 24-year-old has appeared in 118 games for the Catalans in four seasons, while missing 96 games.

Dembele had his most productive season in terms of games played last season, appearing in 44 games for the Blues during the 2020/21 season. However, he suffered yet another injury during the summer’s UEFA Euro 2020 tournament and has not appeared in a single game so far this season. With his contract set to expire at the conclusion of the season, there are significant doubts about the Frenchman’s long-term future.

Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea have all expressed an interest in signing Dembele. He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Manchester United had previously been rumoured to be interested in Dembele. Now they have been joined by the ranks of the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea in signing the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.

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In order to bolster their offensive options as both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane approach their thirties, Liverpool is on the lookout for an attacking midfielder. Furthermore, beyond the first-choice alternatives and Diogo Jota, there is insufficient quality depth in the front line. This is making the addition of another striker a logical move for Jurgen Klopp and his team.

That being the case, the Reds have identified Dembele as a potential alternative to strengthen their offensive line. The club is now believed to be finalising an agreement with him. That is before he becomes able to talk with international teams from January onwards about a free transfer at the conclusion of the season. Manchester City and Chelsea have both made contact with the winger’s agents. They are expected to put up a stiff fight for his signature, according to the Liverpool Echo.

However, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have failed to live up to the expectations placed on them in their wide-attacking midfield positions for Chelsea this season. Timo Werner has also struggled to get going at Stamford Bridge. Also, Kai Havertz has had an up-and-down start to his stay at the club.

What does the future have in store for Ousmane Dembele?

Dembele produced some of his greatest football when playing for Borussia Dortmund under Thomas Tuchel. He might therefore be a viable choice for Chelsea. According to the current situation, Manchester City does not have a lack of alternatives in the broad regions as well.

However, Raheem Sterling has been linked with a move away from the club. That is after slipping down the pecking order, while Bernardo Silva’s long-term future is in question.

In fact, given Barcelona’s interest in Sterling, Manchester City is believed to have requested Dembele as part of a deal. That is to get the Englishman away from the Etihad. Barcelona may have to agree to this demand now.

Furthermore, both Juventus and Bayern Munich have shown an interest in signing the player. Given the level of interest in the Frenchman, securing him will be tough. That is despite the fact that Liverpool has already made a contract offer to the midfielder.