Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are among the many clubs monitoring Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi but have differing priorities.
PSG and Liverpool are focusing on forward options with Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig a prime target for both.
Liverpool have been aware of Lille teen Bouaddi for some time. They scouted Lille extensively last year ahead of facing them in the Champions League and Bouaddi came off the bench to play the last 20 minutes at Anfield as Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners to make the last 16.
Bouaddi had earlier announced himself with a stellar performance against Real Madrid’s star-studded midfield on his 17th birthday, pulling the strings in a shock 1-0 win for the French side.
Arsenal have long held interest and have met his representatives while Chelsea have also expressed their admiration.
Talks are expected to unfold over the next month but Lille want around £50million for the 18-year-old so clubs are assessing whether that scale of investment is viable when strengthening other positions is of more immediate importance.
Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are among the many clubs monitoring Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
Teen sensation Bouaddi, 18, plays for Lille and impressed against Brazil on Saturday night
For Liverpool’s part, all focus is on bolstering their forward line.
Cody Gakpo has been linked with a move away but, as it stands, it is understood the club are not aware of the Netherlands forward wanting to leave. He signed a new deal last year and is a popular and established member of the squad.
Inter Milan retain an interest in Curtis Jones but as yet that has not developed.
The Italian club are waiting to see if Nottingham Forest follow up interest in midfielder Davide Frattesi with a suitable offer.
Should the Italy international leave, the funds could be put towards an offer for Jones who Liverpool value at £35million.
