Chelsea on alert as European giants prepare to sell £100m star

Chelsea have been put on alert by the suggestion that Real Madrid could sell Marco Asensio in January, according to Marca via The Daily Mirror.

Asensio was expected to shine following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to join Juventus but has struggled for form in the European champions’ woeful start to the season, which has left boss Julen Lopetegui at risk of facing the sack.

Real Madrid are likely to go all-out to improve their form in January by landing expensive recruits and could cash-in on Asensio if his valuation of £100m is met, which has alerted Chelsea, as well as their Premier League title rivals Liverpool.

Capable of playing on the wings or as an attacking midfielder, the 22-year-old would be an exciting addition for Chelsea’s squad but financing a deal could be an issue – although the Blues will look to raise funds with departures of their own.

Asensio’s compatriot Alvaro Morata could be offloaded in the New Year after his continued struggles to perform since arriving from the Spanish capital last summer.