Liverpool Transfer News: Maxime Lopez Discusses Reds Interest, Latest Rumours

Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopez has revealed Liverpool were close to recruiting him as Philippe Coutinho's replacement before he opted to remain in France. 

Lopez recently spoke to French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t Get French Football News) after signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract at Marseille, detailing he was once seen by the Reds as the heir to Coutinho's throne:

"

They even told me: “In 5 years, you will be playing in place of Coutinho!” They really smooth-talked me well. I even met Steven Gerrard, at the stadium, after the match. I wanted to go, but I also wanted to stay at Marseille. To leave like that, at that age and even with my family accompanying me, it is very tough. I realised they had about 30 young players who were professional, without including the starting players. You really have to be ready mentally.

"

GFFN added it was during Marcelo Bielsa's reign at the Marseille helm between May 2014 and August 2015 that said talks with Liverpool materialised, which was before manager Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield.

It was a mature decision on Lopez's behalf to not take such a risk and instead focus on fine-tuning his craft in a more familiar setting, although many Reds would have undoubtedly liked to bag one of France's biggest current prospects.

The 19-year-old joined Marseille's academy from Burel in 2010, and rose through the ranks at the Stade Velodrome before outlining his place as a regular starter for the Ligue 1 club since the end of October 2016.

Goal's Mohammed Ali lauded the teenager's rise after he was handed Ligue 1's Player of the Month award for December, not long after he emerged as a first-team force for Marseille:

"

Wow. 19-yr-old Maxime Lopez named @Ligue1 Player of the Month for December! Great talent @lopezmaxime1 congrats ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/2n9Jx4L2Jr

— Mohammed Ali (@mohammedali_93) January 16, 2017"

Lopez has started in 22 of his 26 total appearances for Les Olympiens this season, notching five assists and one goal from a central-midfield role after excelling in a more offensive attacking-midfield position as a youth.

Ali also provided quotes from Real Madrid manager and former Ligue 1 icon Zinedine Zidane, who spoke highly of Lopez earlier this month:

Meanwhile, Liverpool's links with Brazilian attacker Anderson Talisca have also been revived after the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle cited Turkish-Football.com, which said the Reds recently scouted his talents.

Reds scouts are said to have attended Besiktas' 1-1 UEFA Europa League draw at Olympiakos last week, and OptaCan hailed the 23-year-old as a fierce attacking outlet for the Turkish club this campaign:

"

9 - Anderson Talisca has been involved in nine goals in his last 13 competitive games for Besiktas (eight scored, one assisted). Factor.

— OptaCan (@OptaCan) March 9, 2017"

Talisca is on a season-long loan at Besiktas from Benfica with the option for another year's loan, although the Istanbul outfit are also understood to be examining the possibility of a permanent stay.

Doyle also sourced TalkSport, which reported Serie A club Lazio are hopeful of contesting for Talisca's signature, assuring Klopp's side of stiff competition if they move for the former Brazil under-20 international.