LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 30, 2015: Melwood Training Ground ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Europa League Group Stage Group B match against FC Sion. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool in “advanced discussions” with French full-back

Liverpool are said to be in “advanced discussions” with Lyon full-back Jordy Gaspar, who is currently yet to sign a professional contract.

The Reds are moving ahead with their plans for the summer transfer window, with Jurgen Klopp seeking to bolster his ranks for what is set to be a busy 2017/18 campaign.

The likes of Julian Brandt, Naby Keita, Roque Mesa and Talisca have already been linked with moves to Merseyside, while the club’s academy could also be set for an injection of talent.

Where Gaspar would fit in remains to be seen, but according to French outlet Telefoot, he could be on his way to Merseyside.

They claim that, while Lyon are pushing for the 19-year-old to sign his first professional contract, both Liverpool and AC Milan are also in talks to secure his signature.

“The player and his entourage are in advanced discussions with AC Milan and Liverpool, who have sent several proposals,” they claim.

“Fiorentina and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested, to a lesser extent.”

Lyon’s contract offer is suggested as having come “too late,” with Gaspar able to leave the Ligue 1 side on a free transfer at the beginning of May.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 29, 2016: Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in action against Leeds United during the Football League Cup Quarter-Final match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

It seems unlikely that the Reds would be able to convince Gaspar to leave Lyon to join their U23 ranks, however, with the teenager having already made three first-team appearances under Bruno Genesio.

One of those came in the Champions League, in September’s 1-0 defeat away to Sevilla, while he has also started in a 2-0 loss to Nice in October, as well as a 2-1 win at home to Bastia in November.

Furthermore, Gaspar has been named on Lyon’s substitutes’ bench on 14 other occasions this season, suggesting there is a clear route to the senior setup for him in France.

If Gaspar did move to Liverpool, he would provide Klopp with further quality at full-back, with the France U20 international able to operate as both a left-back and a right-back.

But with Trent Alexander-Arnold already breaking through in his natural role, this would seem unlikely.

Alexander-Arnold has been in excellent form for the Liverpool U23s so far this season, and was particularly impressive in their recent 2-0 win at home to Chelsea.

The 18-year-old has also made nine first-team appearances, with calls growing for the West Derby native to replace Nathaniel Clyne as Klopp’s first-choice right-back.

It would make more sense to promote Alexander-Arnold, perhaps along with Juanma at left-back, than moving for Gaspar at this stage.

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