Atletico join Liverpool, Chelsea to sign Higuain

Cape Town - Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to clinch the signature of Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain.

The Spanish giants are ready to break the bank to bring the Argentina international to the Vicente Calderon, although Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis would prefer not to sell.

However, the Partenopei will have no other option but the allow the former Real Madrid man to leave if an interested club triggers his €94m release clause.

Atletico are not willing to match the massive release clause, but are said to be ready to offer €60m plus Matias Kranevitter for Higuain.

Higuain made 35 appearances in Serie A last season, netting an impressive tally of 36 goals, while also providing two assists.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are said to be lining up a swoop for Higuain as a potential replacement for Christian Benteke, who could soon be on his way after a disappointing first season at Anfield.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are also said to be keen, with the Argentine seen as a perfect replacement for controversial striker Diego Costa, who has been linked with a return to Atletico.