Report: Chelsea handed blow as Liverpool join race for 50m rated summer targetLiverpool have joined the race for Chelsea target Jan Paul van Hecke according to reports in The Netherlands.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ONTHE APP STOREThe Blues were quiet in January, but thats not expected to be the case in the summer as they set about once again strengthening the squad.Chelsea are said to still want a centre back, whilst they are believed to be keen to add another midfielder and attacker.Liverpool join the race for Jan Paul van HeckeThe Blues have paid the price for not signing a replacement for Levi Colwill, who suffered an ACL injury before the start of the season.Its been reported Chelsea will target players with proven Premier League experience this summer, but fans will only believe it when they see it.Chelsea have been linked with Nottingham Forests Murillo, whilst they are also said to be interested in Van Hecke.The Brighton centre back is expected to leave the club this summer, however according to Dutch outlet Voetbal International Liverpool have joined the race for the 25-year-old.The report adds that Liverpool have made contact and hes a key candidate to strengthen Arne Slots side ahead of next season.The Blues have already lost out to Liverpool in the race for Jeremy Jacquet, and they wouldnt want to suffer the same fate with Van Hecke, whos believed to be valued at 50m.The Dutch international is out of contract in 2027, and has made 36 appearances in all competitions, with Brighton currently sixth in the league.If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as apreferred source on Googleto make us a favourite and see more of ourcontent.In other newsChelsea are reportedly among the clubs to have made an enquiry for Brentford striker Igor Thiago,with the Bees expected to set their asking price at around 80m.More Stories / Latest NewsReport: Chelsea handed blow as Liverpool join race for 50m rated summer target 2nd May 2026, 01:30pmReport: Aston Villa will sell reported Chelsea target Morgan Rogers this summer under one circumstance 2nd May 2026, 01:00pmI think Paul Merson makes Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest prediction 2nd May 2026, 12:30pmThiago has scored 21 goals in the league this season, second to only Erling Haaland, and Brentford could face a tough task keeping hold of the Brazilian in the summer.Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips SPTC podcast here: