Liverpool are still looking for a player in a similar mould to Philippe Coutinho to replace the departed Brazilian in the summer and have set their sights on Lyon starlet Houssem Aouar.
While Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has done well in that midfield three playing as the more advanced of the trio, the Reds would still like a natural ball-player to come into the side, and Aouar is someone they’re looking at.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for Lyon last season but has become a regular for the Ligue 1 side this season, netting five goals and providing three assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Able to play in central midfield or as a more traditional number 10, the France U21 international has emerged on the radar of a number fo top European clubs this season, including Barcelona who want him to come to the Nou Camp in the summer.
Liverpool tried to sign the attacker before he signed his first professional contract with Lyon after coming through their academy ranks and have continued to track his progress.
Under contract until 2020, Aouar will not be sold on the cheap in the summer and is one of two young Lyon talents the Reds are said to be interested in as they are part of the congested race to sign striker Willem Geubbels. The 16-year-old has also been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona, Monaco and Bayern Munich
