Highly-rated Frenchman ‘came close’ to Liverpool transfer

Mark Scott

Ex-Marseille boss Jose Anigo has said Liverpool almost signed midfielder Maxime Lopez in 2014 when Brendan Rodgers was in charge.

The then 16-year-old was invited to watch the Merseyside derby at Anfield and met with the Reds manager during his visit ahead of his proposed move from the Ligue One outfit.

Angio told L’Equipe: “He revealed to L’Equipe: “The boy was about to sign with them. I was lucky enough to know his uncle, Ahmed, who played Endoume with me.

“The parents came to talk, openly and honestly.”

Lopez has broken through to the Marseille first team this season, making eight appearances so far.