Liverpool FC Rumour Mill

Rumour Mill: Liverpool and Aston Villa vying for Belgian midfielder Samuel Bastien

Samuel Bastien, a Belgian midfielder playing at Serie B club Avellino on loan from Anderlecht, has emerged as a reported Liverpool target.

Bastien is said to have drawn interest from both Liverpool and Aston Villa in recent months, after shining in the youth ranks at Belgian Pro League side Anderlecht.

But the 19-year-old joined Avellino on loan this summer, continuing his development in the second tier of Italian football.

After impressing in the first months of his loan, however, the Premier League sides have maintained their interest—according to Avellino-based outlet, Irpinia News.

While it is said that Avellino have an option to buy the midfielder for under £3 million during his loan spell, both Villa and Liverpool are believed to have scouted Bastien this season.

Liverpool’s interest in Bastien dates back to January, according to Belgian publication VoetbalNieuws, while the Mail reiterated this in August.

Bastien is a right-footed midfielder capable of performing from the base of midfield to a more attacking position, but is most comfortable in a central playmaking role.

In seven appearances for Avellino this season, Bastien has scored one goal.

This came in October’s 3-3 draw with Brescia, with the Belgian U19s international scoring a 64th minute equaliser with his left foot to secure a vital point for his side.

Avellino sit 16th in the Serie B table, and look unlikely to seal promotion to the top flight this season.

If Bastien returns to Anderlecht in the summer, the midfielder will enter the final year of his contract.

Saint-Etienne, Napoli, Sevilla and Hellas Verona are also thought to be interested.