Liverpool favourites to sign Boubakary Soumare?

Liverpool are reportedly leading the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign Boubakary Soumare from Lille this summer.

The Frenchman was the subject of a £35m bid from Newcastle United in January but he opted to snub their advances in order to join a bigger club at the end of the season.

Chelsea and United are understood to be monitoring the player's situation in recent weeks but Sport claims that the Reds are ahead of the queue, having held talks with the player's agent.

The Merseyside giants are well stocked for options in their midfield but they are expected to part ways with Adam Lallana when his contract expires in three months' time.

Meanwhile, James Milner is also approaching the final years of his professional career and Jurgen Klopp is definitely looking into the future with Soumare being one of the prime targets.

Soumare, 21, is generally a holding midfielder by trade but he has also played in the central role. He has just over two years remaining on his current deal with Les Dogues.