Liverpool have moved ahead of Crystal Palace in the race to sign Lens defender Ismaelo Ganiou, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old established himself in the Lens first team last season and has remained an important member of the side. He has made 37 appearances for the French club and scored four goals.
Palace were interested in signing the centre-back during the summer, with the proposed move set to reunite Ganiou with former manager Pierre Sage.
However, Ganiou decided to stay in France and signed a new contract with Lens.
Football Insider reports that Liverpool are now pursuing the defender and have overtaken Palace in the competition to secure his services.
Liverpool are preparing for the possibility of life without captain Virgil van Dijk. The club are expected to make a significant investment in defence to replace him if he leaves at the end of the season.
