According to British media sources on Monday, Liverpool defeated Chelsea to buy Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for a reported £60 million ($82 million).
However, the 20-year-old is not poised to move to Anfield until the end of the season despite Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements.
Earlier this month, Jacquet was linked to a move to Chelsea; however, it is said that the competition for center-back spots in the Blues’ overstuffed roster prevented him from making the move.
Liverpool, on the other hand, is severely lacking in center back choices.
Captain Virgil van Dijk, 34, and Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract at the end of the season, are the only two choices now available to Arne Slot with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni sidelined by injuries.
Jacquet, a French under-21 international, has only made 31 appearances for Rennes since joining the Ligue 1 team’s starting lineup the previous season.
Liverpool will reportedly pay an initial £55 million with a further £5 million dependant on add-ons.
