Liverpool beat Manchester United and Southampton to France youth star Larouci

Having impressed on trial at the Saints, the Algeria-born talent was also evaluated by Jose Mourinho's scouts, but has chosen to join the Reds

are expected to strengthen their academy with the impending signing of youth international Yasser Larouci.

The attacking midfielder, unattached having turned down a contract with Ligue 2 side Le Havre where he had captained the Under-16s, is close to finalising the formalities of a deal.

IN STATS: Klopp's influence on Liverpool

Having impressed on trial at in mid-December, the -born talent was also evaluated by scouts.

But the Reds moved sharply to convince Larouci he would be best served at their youth set-up in Kirkby.

Predominantly used out wide, he is pacy, strong in the dribble and a constant threat in the final third.

Larouci was considered to be Le Havre’s next star in the making, following the likes of Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Riyad Mahrez.

Former Reds Florent Sinama Pongolle and Anthony Le Tallec were also recruited from the Normandy-based club under Gerard Houllier’s charge.