Liverpool have swooped for 18-year-old Arsenal target Bilel Hassaini, according to latest reports from France.
Arsenal and Barcelona have been monitoring attacking midfielder Hassaini, with his cash-strapped club AS Nancy thought to be prepared to sell as they look to raise money to avoid relegation to the French third tier.
But there has been no official bid from Arsenal, and Liverpool have reportedly decided jumped ahead in the queue by making an offer.
That is according to Foot Mercato via Get Football News France , who claim that Ligue 1 club St Etienne are also interested.
Paris Saint-Germain were also interested, but pulled out of a move for Hassaini after advanced discussions reached a dead end.
Hassaini has so far refused to pen professional terms with Nancy, meaning he would be available for a small compensation fee. PSG were set to pay €300,000 before their deal fell through.
If Arsenal were successful in signing Hassaini, it is understood they would initially look to include him in their Under-23s squad with a view to graduating the former France U17 international into their first-team plans.
However, he could be offered a fast-track to first team football by London rivals Crystal Palace , who are also keen.
Like Arsenal, Liverpool would most likely bring him into their U23s - or possibly loan Hassaini out as they have with prospects such as Harry Wilson and Ben Woodburn.
Liverpool's reported approach puts the pressure on Arsenal, Barcelona and Palace, as the lure of working under European Cup-winning Jurgen Klopp, with his renowned ability to get the best out of players, could prove very tempting to Hassaini.
Klopp helped turn Trent Alexander-Arnold, for example, from a right-sided midfielder to one of the best attacking right-backs in Europe.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson described Klopp as "a special person and a special manager" .
He said: "All the lads will tell you what a fantastic manager he is to work for, what you see is what you get. Hopefully he can stay here for a very long time."
