Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for Roma goalkeeper Alisson.

A source close to the player revealed to Turkish-Football that Liverpool are refusing to offer above £40 million for the Brazil international.

Roma meanwhile are demanding £60 million.

The appointment of Maurizio Sarri as Chelsea manager has made the move more likely to happen as he is a keen admirer of the 25-year-old keeper.

Thibaut Courtois wants to leave the Premier League outfit and is keen on returning to Madrid, in a bid to be close to his family who are based in the city.

The Blues will want to sign Alisson but their next step will be determined by what Courtois decides.

Real Madrid made an offer for Courtois last season but a second bid has not followed.

The problem Chelsea have is there are few clubs able to afford their first-choice keeper and his priority is a move to Madrid.

Were Courtois to stay on at the London based outfit Liverpool could end up clinching a deal.

Roma may be forced to lower their demands if they do not find another buyer willing to trump the Reds bid.

See More: Liverpool Wonderkid Will Not Be Joining Juventus Or PSG, Deal Expected To Be Reached

The Serie A outfit are not against the idea of Alisson staying on next season either but have made it clear they will listen to offers.

The Giallorossi signed the keeper on a £7.2 [Transfermarkt] transfer from Internacional in 2016 and he does have another three-years remaining on his contract.

Alisson kept 22 clean sheets in 49 appearances for Roma in all competitions over the 2017-18 season.