Liverpool are reportedly close to securing Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in a transfer valued at approximately £61million. The 19-year-old French talent had been strongly tipped for a switch to Chelsea during this window. Liam Rosenior’s outfit had successfully negotiated personal terms with the French youngster, who is regarded as one of the world’s most exciting defensive prospects.

But the Blues encountered difficulties persuading Rennes to release Jacquet, as they sought an immediate transfer to Stamford Bridge, whilst the Ligue 1 club preferred to retain him until the summer. Arne Slot’s Liverpool have capitalised on this standoff and allegedly clinched Jacquet’s services from under Chelsea’s noses. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool have struck an agreement worth in the region of £61m with additional clauses.

The sole condition for the Reds is that the Frenchman will join Anfield during the summer transfer window, rather than this January.

That is despite Slot admitting that Liverpool may look for reinforcements before Monday’s 7pm deadline, following injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.

“I think we are trying to strengthen the squad and not trying to weaken it,” Slot said after beating Newcastle 4-1. “But yeah, 48 hours to go. Let’s see where the window ends up.”

Rennes consistently demanded a club-record sale in order to let Jacquet leave, surpassing the £55.5m fee Manchester City paid for Jeremy Doku in 2023, while insistent that he would remain until the end of the season.

Jacquet is set to undergo a medical on deadline day and Sky Sports claim that the reason why he picked Liverpool over Chelsea was the increased chance of playing time on Merseyside.

Chelsea offered the same deal as Liverpool but the decisions to keep Josh Acheampong and bring Mamadou Sarr back to Stamford Bridge compelled Jacquet to decide to try his hand elsewhere.

Slot also addressed ongoing speculation linking Curtis Jones with a move to Inter Milan, adding: “I think there’s always a lot of talk about Liverpool and a lot of talks about Liverpool players.

“There was a lot of noise around the club in the last week – maybe I should say weeks – but I think our fans showed today what noise really means. That’s being loud, because they were so helpful today. That is what noise is here in Liverpool.”