Liverpool to continue to buy young with offer for French teenager

Liverpool have certainly had one eye on the future when finalising their most recent transfers and they seem set to continue this policy as they prepare to make an offer for M’Baye Niang.

Niang made a big impact at French club Caen towards the end of last season, scoring three goals in seven games after making his debut in April against Toulouse.

These displays from the 16-year-old have resulted in some solid interest from the Premier League, with Manchester City and Tottenham among the clubs keeping tabs on any transfer activity.

It is believed that Tottenham have already put together a £7m package to tempt the Ligue 1 team, who may be reluctant to sell having already allowed fellow striker Youssef El-Arabi to discuss terms over a likely move to Serie A club Genoa.

However, this offer seems unlikely to deter Liverpool, who have made signing youth their priority ahead of this season.

Jordan Henderson has already arrived for £20m from Sunderland, while Eden Hazard remains a leading target from Lille.

Principal owner John W Henry has already indicated that buying talented youth is the way forward for Liverpool, as not only is their scope for further improvement, but there is also the likelihood of strong sell-on values.

Niang is of Senegalese descent and has already represented France at under-16 and under-17 level.

However, the big dilemma is whether he would be best served to remain at Caen for at least one more season to aid his development, as he is likely to profit from more first-team opportunities this way in the next 12 months.

Liverpool are 1/1 in the Premier League betting to break back into the top four this season and with players including Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing still largely expected to move to Anfield before the start of the campaign, this could prove decent value.