Liverpool could sign 'next Romelu Lukaku' for free after training ground visit

Liverpool have got their eyes on French talent Andy Elysee Logbo, and could end up picking up the highly-rated forward for nothing when his contract runs out.

The 17-year-old is scoring for fun for Le Havre's under-19 side, with suggestions he could be the next young talent to reach the Premier League after gaining an education with the French outfit.

Logbo, who impressed in Le Havre's recent victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Gambardella cup, has eight goals at age-group level in just 13 appearances this season and could follow fellow teenage target Fabio Carvalho in moving to Anfield.

While Liverpool are unlikely to be the only club in for the teenager, reports from France note that the youngster - who has been compared to Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku thanks to his physical prowess and the problems he causes defenders - visited the Reds' facilities aged 15 and continues to be monitored by the club.

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According to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness ), Liverpool are "still closely following his development" after the youngster "distinguished himself" in the PSG game.

Le Havre's match report from the game spoke of an "indefatigable" performance from the striker, who Foot Mercato notes will be spoilt for choice if he opts to leave Normandy at the end of the season.

Liverpool have done business with the club for their young talents in the past, notably picking up Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle in the early 2000s, while plenty more talents have made it to the Premier League after coming through Le Havre's academy.

Paul Pogba spent time with the French outfit before joining Manchester United for the first time as a teenager, while French international Lassana Diarra made his professional debut for Le Havre before playing in England for Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth.

Former West Ham United playmaker Dimitri Payet also spent time in their academy after moving to mainland France from his native Reunion, while World Cup winning goalkeeper Steve Mandanda - once of Crystal Palace and now a teammate of Payet at Marseille - started out playing for Le Havre in Ligue 2.

While former Porto forward Diaz was Liverpool's only addition in the January transfer window, Liverpool's strong academy has continued to produce talents - both homegrown and signed from elsewhere - capable of stepping up to the first team.

Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton are among the youngsters to earn senior minutes this season, while the cup competitions have provided opportunities to countless others from the academy.

Diaz sent a message to Liverpool's supporters upon signing, saying "I know you're a great set of fans and I am going to give absolutely everything I've got, 100 per cent, to help my team as much as I can and hopefully make you really happy."