Liverpool have reached an agreement with Stade Rennais to sign centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in a deal worth an initial £55 million, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons. The 20-year-old France Under-21 international is expected to remain with Rennes for the remainder of the season before joining the Premier League champions in the summer.
The deal comes after weekend talks between the clubs, with Jacquet reportedly impressed by Liverpool's project. The Reds beat off competition from Chelsea, who had held discussions with Rennes last month, as well as long-term interest from Manchester United and Arsenal. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Jacquet has started 18 of 20 league games for Rennes this season, missing two through suspension. He made his breakthrough last term after loan spells at Clermont Foot. As part of the agreement, he will stay at Rennes to help them secure European qualification; they currently sit sixth in Ligue 1.
Liverpool have been planning a defensive rebuild, having signed teenage Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni for £26m last year. With Ibrahima Konate set to leave on a free transfer, Virgil van Dijk turning 35 in July, and Joe Gomez facing fitness issues, Jacquet is seen as a key addition.
Rennes are not keen to lose Jacquet this month, having already sold 18-year-old forward Kader Meite to Al-Hilal. However, there remains a chance Chelsea or another club could make a higher bid before Monday's transfer deadline, though Liverpool are in a strong position to complete the transfer.
