Chelsea and Liverpool target defender Roggerio Nyakossi

Chelsea and Liverpool are weighing up summer moves for 22-year-old Swiss-Togolese defender Roggerio Nyakossi after his standout season with OH Leuven.

The 6ft 4in centre-back, captain of Switzerland’s Under-21s, is entering the final year of his contract and is widely expected to move on after helping the Belgian club avoid relegation.

A transfer to one of Europe’s top leagues is thought to be on the cards, with a fee of around £8 million likely to be enough to secure his signature. Several Premier League sides, including Everton, West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace, are also tracking him, while Marseille retain a buy-back clause and remain in the race despite potential hurdles over personal terms.

Nyakossi has welcomed the growing attention, admitting: “It is of course always pleasing when big teams are interested.” Chelsea’s recent focus on recruiting promising young talent and Liverpool’s investment in emerging defenders underline why the Swiss centre-back fits both clubs’ long-term plans.

With Liverpool’s backline facing contract uncertainty and Nyakossi contributing 3 goals in 19 league appearances this season, his next move is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing defensive stories of the upcoming window.