Liverpool now lead the race for Lille star Nicola Pepe, according to reports.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with the Ivory Coast forward, as have Manchester United and Everton.
He has been touted as a possible replacement for Eden Hazard, who continues to be linked with a summer move from Chelsea to Real Madrid.
And Arsenal boss Unai Emery is said to be an admirer of Pepe, who has impressed in the French top flight this season.
But Liverpool are now said to have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals by making the first move for Pepe.
The Daily Mirror have picked up reports in France that Liverpool have made enquiries about the player with a view to a deal to take him to Anfield.
Pepe has scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists in 32 matches for Lille – who sold Hazard to Chelsea in 2012.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool are ready to launch bids for Hazard’s brother Thorgan, according to the Daily Star.
Thorgan Hazard, previously at Chelsea and now with Borussia Monchengladbach, has been a big hit in Germany and continues to be linked with a summer move to the Premier League.