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Manchester City, Chelsea 'join Liverpool in race for Ligue 1 full-back'

By Carter White | 13 May 2024

Man City, Chelsea 'join Liverpool in race for Ligue 1 full-back'

Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly preparing summer swoops for Brest defender Bradley Locko, with Liverpool and Aston Villa also keen on the 22-year-old.

Manchester City and Chelsea have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race for Brest defender Bradley Locko this summer.

The 22-year-old has been key part of a Brest side who are enjoying a highly-productive campaign this term, with the club sitting fourth in the Ligue 1 standings.

Having featured in all 33 of this side's league matches so far in 2023-24, Locko has helped Eric Roy's troops to the verge of securing Champions League football.

Providing three assists for teammates over the course of the Ligue 1 campaign, the left-back has showcased his attacking capabilities as well as his defensive strengths.

Locko is yet to break into Didier Deschamps's France side but has made a single appearance for France Under-21s this season, with his nation tracking his progress closely.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after the match on May 11, 2024 © Reuters

Man City, Chelsea enter race for Liverpool-linked Locko?

According to journalist Alan Nixon, a new pair of Premier League powerhouses have joined the race for Brest's Locko ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report states that both treble winners Manchester City and big spenders Chelsea are keen on securing the services of the 22-year-old ahead of the next term.

It is understood that Locko and Brest are open to parting ways this summer, putting a number of potential suitors on high alert as the transfer window approaches.

Earlier in the month, it was claimed that Liverpool are among a host of outfits interested in signing Locko, who has not missed a game in Ligue 1 this season.

Brest are supposedly looking to pocket £25m from the sale of Locko - a price-tag which will entice plenty of keen parties from across the continent.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the match on May 9, 2024 © Reuters

Aston Villa also interested in Locko?

As well as the Citizens and the Blues, it is believed that Europe-chasing Aston Villa are keen on a summer swoop for Brest's Locko.

Heading into Monday night's meeting with Liverpool in Birmingham, the Villans know that a win over Jurgen Klopp's men would be enough to secure Champions League football next season.

As a result, the Second City club are planning towards a hectic schedule during 2024-25 as they prepare to fight on multiple fronts domestically and on the continent.

Villa are said to have sent scouts to watch Locko play in Brest's clash against his former side Reims on Friday night, with Unai Emery reportedly keen to bring the left-back to the club.