Liverpool are in the race to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and could hijack Chelsea's move to sign the 20-year-old.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to sign the Rennes defender and GIVEMESPORT understands that the youngster informed his club that he wants to join the Blues during the January transfer window.
However, Rennes are standing firm on their valuation of the centre-back and do not want to lose him mid-season.
Rennes Want Big Transfer Fee To Sell
Jeremy Jacquet celebrates with Brice Samba
The French side are currently pushing for a Champions League spot in Ligue 1, standing sixth in the table, and France-based sources tell GMS a club record sale, surpassing the €64million that saw Jeremy Doku move to Manchester City, could be required for an immediate sale.
Rennes entered the winter window anticipating Jacquet, who is contracted until 2029, would stay. The talented defender has several summer suitors, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich, and Rennes were expecting a bidding war at the end of the season, with Liverpool also showing an interest now.
Rennes Plans For Jacquet Transfer Confirmed
Liam Rosenior
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the 20-year-old's future in a YouTube video and suggested a deal could be done this month, but that Jacquet is unlikely to actually leave France until the summer.
Romano said: "Chelsea wanted to go all in and there was a Chelsea mission in Rennes to try and get Jeremy Jacquet. The answer from Rennes is that they want to keep the player in this January transfer window.
"Rennes believe that Jacquet could only leave for crazy money. They want a record fee, €65-70million, so there's no agreement on the fee, and Rennes insist on keeping the player now and selling the player now for the summer.
Liverpool Enter Race For Jacquet
Arne Slot
"So now there is a chance for Jeremy Jacquet, who is one of the most talented defenders in the world, to leave the club in the summer but agree a deal now - that's the possibility.
"Chelsea are there in the race for Jeremy Jacquet, signing now for the summer, Liverpool are also following the player, Bayern are also calling."
Chelsea have agreed personal terms with the player, but as stated above, there is a disparity between the two clubs over a fee, which has allowed Liverpool to make a move now. The Reds could now swoop to hijack the transfer to Chelsea and complete a deal this month to bring the youngster in in the summer.