Liverpool beat Manchester United to the signing of 16-year-old Yasser Larouci

Liverpool have reportedly beaten Manchester United to the signing of France youth international starlet Yasser Larouci, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The Premier League side, who currently sit fifth in the English top-flight standings following their recent 2-0 victory over Tottenham at Anfield, are set to recruit the midfielder to their youth academy ranks.

The 16-year-old, who is a free agent after turning down a new contract with Ligue 2 outfit Le Havre, had a trial period at fellow Premier League side Southampton, whilst rivals Manchester United were also thought to be sniffing around.

But the report suggests that The Reds have beaten The Red Devils to the attacking midfielder’s signature, with the teenager expected to join the club’s academy in Kirkby.

Manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping Larouci can become the next starlet to graduate from Le Havre’s illustrious youth ranks, following in the footsteps of the likes of Lassana Diarra, Paul Pogba, Riyah Mahrez, Steve Mandanda and Dimitri Payet.