Liverpool set to battle Chelsea to sign French star

Liverpool are prepared to compete with Chelsea to land the signature of Rennes starlet Jeremy Jacquet, according to journalist David Ornstein.

The Merseyside giants have had a difficult top-flight season and they are currently sixth in the standings, two points adrift of the top four.

Despite this, the Reds are not planning any mid-season signings, but they could still seek to pursue deals for the summer transfer window.

Ornstein reports that the Reds retain a strong interest in Jacquet and could go head-to-head with Chelsea to secure his services from Rennes.

The French outfit have already stated that Jacquet won't leave for less than £61 million, but they are open to negotiating a pre-transfer deal.

Chelsea and Liverpool have entered negotiations with the Ligue 1 outfit and it remains to be seen whether either club can seal an early deal.

Jacquet has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Arsenal. The Gunners are not looking into a formal approach at the current point.