Antonio Conte confirms Dominic Solanke wants to leave Chelsea as striker tells friends he's joining Liverpool

Wantaway: Dominic Solanke
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Tom Dutton17 February 2017

Antonio Conte has confirmed Dominic Solanke wants to leave Chelsea after talks over a new deal broke down.

Solanke's contract expires at the end of the season and the 19-year-old is demanding a pay rise from £7,000 to £50,000 a week.

It now seems very unlikely Solanke will reach an agreement with the club.

The striker arrived at Chelsea's academy in 2004 and spent his entire youth career with the Blues before landing his first professional contract in 2014.

He has made just one senior start for Chelsea and spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem.

Asked if Solanke will leave in the summer, Conte said: "I don't know, I should have a crystal ball to tell you his future. He is a Chelsea player, but I do not know his future. I wish him and his family athe best.

"I am not sure [if he's leaving]. It's his will."

Chelsea's Premier League run-in

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It is understood Solanke has told close friends he will join Liverpool at the end of the season, although the Merseyside club claim they are not interested.

Conte added: "For a young player to stay in a team like Chelsea is a great opportunity but we have to respect the decision of the player.

"I have spoken with him to try to understand his will."

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