Liverpool Transfer News: Samuel Bastien Move Discussed by Agent, Latest Rumours

Liverpool have yet to make an official offer for Anderlecht midfielder Samuel Bastien but may have been in touch with the Belgian club about the youngster, according to the 19-year-old's agent, Franklin Mala-Makani. 

Per Sport Witness' Lucas Sposito, there were "claims last week that the Anderlecht midfielder had agreed to join the Reds," but Mala-Makani denied that an such agreement had been made:

"

Maybe Liverpool talked directly with Anderlecht's general manger, but Benfica also made an official offer. We will see because the general manager from Anderlecht comes back from small vacation and then we will know more this week.

For the moment, he said nothing. But we will talk when it becomes official from Liverpool football club. We prefer to talk about an official offer.

"

Bastien spent the 2015-16 season on loan at Serie B side Avellino, and his performances for the Italian outfit have made him much sought after—see some of his highlights below:

Indeed, despite previous reports to the contrary, Liverpool look to be on the back foot in their attempts to sign the 19-year-old Belgian as Sporting and Benfica are both interested as well, per the Guardian's Ed Aarons:

An accomplished central midfielder, Bastien can play in a deeper-lying role but is most comfortable operating as a playmaker.

He would be an exciting addition to the Liverpool squad, not least because manager Jurgen Klopp has a lauded history of getting the most out of talented young players and turning them into genuine stars.

This summer is likely to be a period of significant change at Anfield as the German manager looks to bring in some of his own players having only taken over at the club in October 2015.

Bastien is clearly an option Liverpool have looked at, but they may miss out on him if they do not act fast to lodge an official bid.

Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Elsewhere, Klopp also reportedly has his eye on another 19-year-old central midfielder, FC Porto's Ruben Neves.

The Portuguese star continued to cement his reputation as one of the most talented youngsters in Europe in 2015-16 and, despite a slight dip in form, Klopp is reportedly still a "huge admirer" of the player, who has a £31 million release clause, per Record (h/t the Daily Express' James Cambridge).

Porto are reportedly adamant that Neves' release clause be met if they are to let him go, thus it would be a huge gamble on Liverpool's part if they were to shell out more than £30 million this summer for him.

However, he is a talented prospect and, as with Bastien, Klopp would likely fancy his chances of turning Neves into a special player.