Liverpool in talks with French midfielder?

Liverpool are reportedly in contact with the agent of Boubakary Soumare regarding a summer move for the French midfielder.

Newcastle United had a £35m bid accepted from Lille for Soumare in January but the midfielder declined their advances with the aim of joining a bigger club.

According to The Times' Duncan Castles, the Magpies are still interested in a summer move for the Frenchman but they are set to face stiff competition from the Premier League leaders.

It is added that the Merseyside outfit are in contact with the player's representative and are hopeful of reaching a transfer agreement in the coming months.

Soumare has been a regular in the holding midfield role for Les Dogues and he has made 30 appearances across all competitions. Lille are likely to demand a similar £35m fee during the summer.

The Reds are due to make a few changes to the squad ahead of next season and Adam Lallana and Xherdan Shaqiri are among the high-profile players, who could head through the exit door.