Liverpool have prioritised the signing of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of AC Milan’s Franck Kessie, according to reports in the Italian media.

Kessie is available on a free transfer at the end of the season but, despite having a clear interest in signing the Ivorian international, Tchouameni is believed to be the Merseyside club’s priority target.

The Reds’ interest in the Monaco star has been corroborated by the extremely reliable journalist David Ornstein, who claims both Jurgen Klopp’s side and Manchester United have been keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.

However, Chelsea are the team tipped to be the frontrunners for the Frenchman’s signature, with the Blues having scouted the player for well over a year. There have been claims that Tchouameni could cost as much as €80m (£67m) so, if that is the case, that may put off Liverpool from making an approach.

From the sound of things, though, it does seem like the Reds would be very keen to add Tchouameni to their ranks this summer.