Reports: Liverpool pip Chelsea to signing of Rennes defender Jacquet

According to reports in British media on Monday, Liverpool have outbid Chelsea to secure the signature of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for a potential fee of £60 million ($82 million).

The 20 year old will not make the switch to Anfield until the end of the current season, despite Liverpool's urgent requirements for defensive additions.

Jacquet was previously associated with a potential transfer to Chelsea earlier this month, but he is said to have been discouraged by the fierce competition for central defensive positions in the already overcrowded Chelsea lineup.

In stark contrast, Liverpool are severely lacking in options at centre-back.

Manager Arne Slot can presently call upon just two senior centre-backs: 34 year old captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, whose deal expires at the seasons close, while Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni remain out with injuries.

The French under 21 international Jacquet has featured in only 31 games for Rennes since establishing himself in the Ligue 1 clubs starting lineup last term.

Liverpool are expected to pay £55 million upfront, with an additional £5 million available through performance related clauses.