Liverpool have hijacked Jeremy Jacquet’s move from Premier League rivals Chelsea, MySportDab reports.
The Reds were understood to be in the winter market for a new addition to shore up their defense ahead of the remaining part of the season.
Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida was their priority target, but a deal could not be sealed with the Premier League side for the Dutch sensation, with Jeremy Jacquet emerging as a good alternative.
However, Chelsea were understood to be strongly in the race for Jacquet and had opened talks with Rennes for the player long before Liverpool’s interest
Sources close to the player revealed Jacquet was open to a move to the Premier League, but needed assurances on regular game time.
His chances at Chelsea remained doubtful with the club expected to have Mamadou Sarr join them from Strasbourg, hence he wanted an alternative away from the Blues.
Liverpool reportedly exploited this gap, assuring the player of his place in the Reds’ defensive ranks and with a considerably better offer, a deal is said to have been sealed with Rennes for the player.
Further details reveal Liverpool will pay £55m transfer fee and £5m as add-ons, taking the entire package to £60m. However, there is a caveat; Rennes want to retain Jacquet until the end of the season due to their depleted defensive options before he will join the Merseyside club at the end of the season.
Chelsea have been reportedly told by the player’s camp of his decision not to pit tent with the London club, with Liverpool now winning the race for the player a few hours before the closure of the winter transfer window.
