Liverpool ’looking closely’ at deal for exciting playmaker Houssem Aouar

Liverpool are considering a possible deal for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, it emerged on Wednesday.

The Reds have been linked with a whole host of names so far this season, with Aouar being the latest to be thought to be on Jurgen Klopp’s radar.

Having failed to secure a move for Lyon captain Nabil Fekir last summer, it appears Liverpool are considering returning for one of his teammates.

According to French outlet RMC Sport, French-Algerian midfielder Aouar has been watched by Liverpool since 2015 and could make a move to Anfield in the summer.

The 20-year-old has previously turned down a move to Merseyside before signing his first senior contract with Lyon to further his development in France.

Aouar is a classy playmaker and has drawn comparisons to former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho, being able to play in the number 10 role and on the left.

The Lyon academy graduate registered 7 goals and 6 assists in 44 appearances last season and is well on course smash past that this campaign.

He currently has 5 goals and 4 assists in 17 appearances for the French side, suggesting he may be on the cusp of having a real break-through season.

However, the Reds will face stiff competition for one of Europe’s most promising youngsters.

RMC Sport journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi claims that Barcelona and fellow Premier League side Chelsea are also interested in his signature.

The Catalan club are - like Liverpool - long-time admirers of the midfielder, and were interested in him last summer.

However, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas secured convinced the youngster to remain at the club and Aouar signed a new contract until 2023.

Whilst Aouar is a very promising talent who is likely to excite Anfield, supporters will all too well know that Aulas is a tough negotiator in the transfer market.

With Fekir’s failed move to Merseyside still fresh in memory, Aouar’s new five-year deal means the Lyon president can demand an extraordinary premium.

This story appears to be one to watch in the coming months, with it is being unlikely the Reds will make a move for him any time before the summer transfer window.