Rumour Mill: Could Liverpool beat Arsenal to £13m French playmaker?

Liverpool could be ready to make a move for £13million-rated Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier, according to French sports news agency Le 10 Sport.

They report that the 22 year old midfielder has been the subject of interest from both the Reds and Arsenal, as well as fellow French Ligue 1 club, Olympique Marseille.

The reports (roughly translated) suggest that “there is talk of a value of up to €15million for the French U21 international, although Lyon rate him at €37million.”

British newspaper, the Mirror also carry the story, as does the International Business Times suggesting that Brendan Rodgers may be ready to beat Arsenal to Grenier’s signature.

They say:

Arsene Wenger has had his eye on Grenier – a player he has dubbed as ‘like Samir Nasri’ – for some time, but if the reports in the French media are correct, Brendan Rodgers is trying to jump the queue.

Grenier is yet to make his debut for the French national team but has enjoyed a lot of praise during his career so far with lyon, making 59 appearances and scoring 7 times.

He won the Coupe de France with Lyon in 2012, and the Under-19 European Championships with France in 2010.

Lyon coach Remi Garde said recently that he hopes to convince Grenier to stay at the club and continue his professional development.

“I know the talent and ambition of Clement,” he is quoted on ESPN as saying.

“He’s a player who can still improve. I’ve told him that, at Lyon, there’s everything for him to be able to continue his progress, and then go to a club where he’ll establish himself as soon as he arrives. I think he’s still got a little way to go at Lyon.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool have captured the signing of Ivorian international defender Kolo Toure, who will complete his move from Manchester City on July 1st.

The move increases speculation about the future of Slovakian international Martin Skrtel at Anfield, who’s agent yesterday played down rumours linking him with a move to Napoli to meet up with former Reds boss, Rafa Benitez.

For more LFC transfer rumours, head to our Rumour Mill.