According to French publication L’Equipe, Liverpool could be edged out by Zenit St Petersburg in the race to sign Lyon’s defender Emanuel Mammana.
The Reds have had the 21-year-old Argentine on their radar since the window opened, but it is the Russian giants that are close to luring him away from the Ligue 1 outfit, and are prepared to make an opening bid of £14.3million.
Lyon are willing to listen to offers for Mammana, as boss Bruno Genesio has claimed the youngster won’t feature regularly next term given the many options he has in the role.
Valencia and Inter Milan are also reported to be interested in the centre-back, making competition for the South American who desires frequent action even stiffer.
At Anfield, Mammana isn’t guaranteed the amount of playing time he so craves, but there won’t be shortage of football next term either, with Liverpool contesting on 4 fronts.
Boss Jurgen Klopp is yet to deliver a trophy as he enters his 2nd full season at the club, and is still keen on beefing up his squad with more quality options capable of mounting strong challenges.
Mammana could be one if an agreement can be reached between all the 3 parties involved, though.
