Liverpool have held discussions with the representatives of highly-rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after being offered the opportunity to sign the teenager earlier this year, according to Krrish.

Bouaddi’s agents are understood to have approached Liverpool in early April, while also presenting the player to several other leading Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United.

The 17-year-old has since held talks with all three clubs. However, Bouaddi is reportedly not keen on a move to Manchester United at this stage and instead views Liverpool and Arsenal as the most attractive options for his development. Liverpool are understood to be his preferred destination should he make a move to England.

Lille are open to selling the French-Moroccan prospect but are demanding a fee of around €65 million for one of the most highly regarded young midfielders in European football.

A move to the Premier League is currently considered the most likely outcome if Bouaddi leaves Lille, with interest continuing to grow across Europe.

Despite his admiration for Paris Saint-Germain, who are said to be his favourite club, the French champions are not actively pursuing a midfield signing at present and have other priorities in the transfer market.

Liverpool and Arsenal are therefore among the clubs best positioned should formal negotiations for Bouaddi intensify in the coming months.