Reports in France and England claim Liverpool have opened talks with the representatives of Lille forward Victor Osimhen.

The 21-year-old – dubbed “the future of Nigerian football” by Odion Ighalo – is tipped to leave Lille for a deal in the region of £60m when the window re-opens.

Osimhen was having an outstanding season for Lille when the coronavirus pandemic brought French football to a halt last month, racking up 13 goals and four assists in Ligue 1.

Only Neymar, Moussa Dembele, Wissam Ben Yedder and Kylian Mbappe have scored more goals than the promising 21-year-old in the French top flight this term.

The Nigerian’s outstanding form in front of goal has caught the attention of the Premier League’s elite in recent months, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester City all credited with interest.

According to Le 10 Sport, Liverpool have now entered the race for Osimhen after making their first contact with the forward’s camp.

The report suggests the Merseyside giants are laying the foundations ahead of a possible contract proposal for the talented Nigeria international.

The Metro report that a fierce ‘battle’ is likely to take place between England’s top clubs for Osimhen’s signature.

It’s claimed his agent has held discussions with Liverpool, while Chelsea, Leicester and Manchester United are said to hold an interest.

Lille president Gerard Lopez has already revealed that he has received offers for the attacker.

Earlier this month, Osimhen revealed his ambitions to “play for a big club in England” and thanked fellow countryman Odion Ighalo for the advice he’s given him at the start of his career.

“Of course, one day I’d like to play for a big club in England,” he told The Independent.

“I’ve spoken to Odion about it. He gave me very good advice, he’s a legend and a big brother.

“My goal is to play at one of the biggest clubs in the world but now I’m very happy in Lille.

“My priority is to play a lot of games. Signing for a big club and being on the bench is not exciting for me.”

Former Manchester United man Dimitar Berbatov had revealed the role he played in bringing Anthony Martial to the club in 2015.

The Bulgarian was teammates with a young Martial at AS Monaco and was asked for his recommendation.

“The United head scout called me, he was like: ‘Berbs, we are looking at this kid Martial and wanted to ask what you think,’” the Bulgarian explained in an interview on TalkSPORT.

“I told him this boy is unbelievable, the things he can do. He can be a great player, he just needs someone to guide him on the pitch.

“Of course, I’m still waiting for my commission!”

Juventus and Inter Milan have reportedly commenced transfer talks with RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

That’s according to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, who claims Inter Milan and Juventus are already in discussions with the Germany international.

Premier League Liverpool are eager to bolster their attacking options with manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly scheduling a meeting between the pair.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is equally said to be interested in the Germany international, but the striker is keen to join Klopp at Anfield.

“I know that Timo Werner will leave RB Leipzig, for sure,” Di Marzio told Sky Sports. “His agents are moving to find a solution for him.

“They are talking to Juventus and Inter Milan, so they want him to change clubs. They are probably talking to Liverpool because Liverpool have wanted him for a long time.”

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has reportedly showed his determination to sign Dries Mertens by calling the Napoli hotshot everyday according to transfer intermediary Vincenzo Morabito.

There had already been multiple reports of strong Chelsea interest in the Belgium international in January, and he will be a free agent when his Napoli contract expires in the summer.

“Mertens had originally said he wanted to stay at Napoli, but then his lawyer started offering him to various international clubs, meaning something changed between the player and the Azzurri,” Morabito told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli as cited by Football Italia.

“I know this because I was working on the Olivier Giroud issue when he was meant to leave Chelsea in January, with a lucrative contract line up for Mertens.

“Chelsea have now extended Giroud’s contract as a precaution, but they are very interested in Mertens and Lampard is calling him almost every day. I can see Mertens going to Chelsea.”

Inter, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have also been mentioned when it comes to the Belgian striker.

On loan Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos says he has not spoken to Zinedine Zidane since leaving Real Madrid.

The Spanish midfielder joined Arsenal on a season-long loan and despite the lack of communication with Zidane – Ceballos hopes to play for the Spanish giants in the future.

“I haven’t spoken to Zidane since I left,” Ceballos told Movistar. “It has to be difficult to have a dressing room with so many players. I don’t think Zidane talks to the loan players.”

“Hopefully [I will play for Real Madrid again]. I now have a contract with Arsenal. At the moment in Madrid it is difficult to play with the players that are there. Now I am focused on being important at a club.”