Liverpool Transfer News: Paul-Georges Ntep Deal Expected, Memphis Depay Blow

Rennes winger Paul-Georges Ntep is "set to sign for Liverpool," according to French publication L'Equipe (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro).

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has visited Merseyside "twice in 10 days," according to Get French Football's translation:

"

The player is very interested by Liverpool and the club are now in pole position to sign Paul Georges Ntep.

— Get French Football (@GFN_France) May 7, 2015"

Ntep has scored six and assisted five in 32 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes this season, per WhoScored.com. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will be enticed by his ability to play on either flank or through the middle, where his confident dribbling skills often allow him to skip beyond opponents.

The youngster has plenty to work on—having completed just 70.1 percent of his passes and surrendered possession often this campaign, recorded by WhoScored—but he's built in the Rodgers mould. His playing style and quality can be seen below:

Ntep may even offer an alternative to Liverpool's reported hunt of PSV Eindhoven starlet Memphis Depay, who appears to be moving closer to a Manchester United switch.

Dutch newspaper AD Sportwereld (h/t Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News) suggests Depay has spoken with Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal. It is also indicated both the player and his agent have discussed a transfer with Liverpool's fierce rivals. Rodgers' interest is reported by The Sun (h/t James Whaling of the Daily Mirror).

Luckhurst believes Depay will cost his eventual suitors €25 million (£18.65 million), which should be considered a snip on the current market.

The flying forward has netted 21 times to lead the Eredivisie scoring charts this season, per ESPN FC, and is becoming an all-round threat in the opposition's half. Depay is smart on the ball, can utilise his pace to devastating effect and is developing into a deadly set-piece taker.

Sport Witness provided its take on AD Sportwereld's article:

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently discussed key targets Rodgers should look to purchase during the summer:

Ntep would be an interesting addition for the club, one that comes out of left field but would further add to Rodgers' creative forces. The Northern Irishman needs a clinical striker, though, someone to buzz inside the box, if Liverpool are to become comfortable Champions League qualifiers in the future.

The Reds are four points behind fourth-placed United with three games remaining. Anfield will become a more attractive stomping ground if this deficit can be overturned. Liverpool fans will undoubtedly be disappointed to see Depay move to United, but they will hope Ntep has the quality to make a lasting impression in the Premier League.