Merseyside rivals set to clash in pursuit of Lille star
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Liverpool and Everton are ready for a bidding war in the chase to sign Lille’s up and coming star Soualiho Meite.
The defensive midfielder is on-loan from the French side to Belgian outfit Zulte-Waregam, and is starring for the side which sits five points clear at the top of the Jupiler League.
Missing just 31 minutes of league action this season, Meite’s performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs, with Liverpool and Everton the latest to be linked with a move.
Zulte are believed to have an option of signing the 22-year-old for just £250k, with reports this week claiming the Belgian club will then sell him on to the highest bidder.
Even so, it’s expected that the French U20 International could be available for a little over £4m.
Juventus, Schalke and West Ham are just three other sides believed to be interested.
Parisian-born Meite began his career with Auxerre, enjoying a breakthrough campaign in the 2012-13 season.
The midfielder was eased into life at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, making 19 appearances – 15 from the bench – as Lille came third in Ligue 1 in 2013-14.
Things have tailed off for Meite in the last two seasons at Lille, but we’re now starting to see the young talent show his full potential since moving to Belgium.
Liverpool will doubtless be an attracting proposition for the Frenchman should they remain at the forefront of this season’s Premier League race.
The Reds are flying under Jurgen Klopp, and are 1/6 to pick up another three points this weekend when struggling Sunderland make the trip to Anfield.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
