Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal among clubs to have scouted Ligue 1 teenager

Liverpool travel south to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday. 

The Reds would move into the top four with victory over The Eagles, although Tottenham Hotspur could then return to fourth with victory over Nottingham Forest later in the day.

The current campaign has been difficult for The Reds, but Jurgen Klopp’s side have improved in recent weeks.

Last time out they defeated rivals Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield, effectively ending The Red Devils’ short-lived title challenge.

Now, it appears that the two sides could be set to go head-to-head off the pitch.

According to 90min, both Liverpool and United have scouted Lille teenager Carlos Baleba.

The 19-year-old only joined Lille in January last year, but he has made an instant impact in the French top flight and Arsenal and Newcastle United are also said to have scouted the player.

Baleba, a central midfielder, made his debut for Lille on the opening day of the current season, in a 4-1 win over AJ Auxerre.

Baleba has been scouted byseveral teams from across Europe, including Arsenal and Manchester United

The youngster has now made a total of 14 senior appearances for his current side, but he is attracting interest from a number of other clubs.

Italian giants Juventus, and fellow French sides Nice and Monaco are all said to have shown an interest in the midfielder, while AC Milan reportedly made a failed attempt to sign the player during the January window.

West Ham United and Leicester have also sent scouts to watch Baleba, who looks likely to be the subject of significant interest when the window reopens this summer.

The player is contracted to his current side until 2026, which puts Lille under very little pressure to sell the teenage sensation, although they may decide to cash in this summer following what has already been an impressive breakthrough campaign.

If they do decide to let Baleba leave, Lille would reportedly demand around £30 million for the midfielder.