Liverpool tracking Houssem Aouar

Liverpool are said to be tracking talented Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

The Reds are seemingly expanding their analytical tracking of players, and journalist David Maddock has tipped the Frenchman to be a potential signing.

Maddock noted that Liverpool will be looking to sign players without paying a "premium" like they did on Virgil van Dijk.

Instead, they will be looking at players like Mohamed Salah, who was expensive but turned out to be a bargain.

Speaking to Blood Red: The Liverpool FC Podcast, Maddock said: "Aouar is a really good example. They’ve tracked him, since before he got into the Lyon first team.”

“It’s unlikely he will leave this summer, I think Lyon would have sold him this summer under normal circumstances.

“Lyon can’t afford to buy players anymore unless they sell, but they can’t sell because the players are potentially not worth as much in this current market as they were a few months ago," Maddock continued.

“They would want £50 million for Aouar; they’re not going to get that now."

The journalist noted that unless Lyon decide that they have no option but to sell for around the £20 million mark, Liverpool will not take the risk.

He concluded by saying: "I’d be reluctant to say Liverpool will not make any signings in this current market.

“It could be that some players become available at knock-down prices because their clubs are in such financial trouble—and I think Lyon could well be."

Hot prospect

21-year-old Aouar is one of Europe's best young midfielders.

He has three goals and four assists in 25 games this season.

He is a playmaking number 8, who is very easy on the eye.

Aouar is a great dribbler and an excellent passer, but is also a hard-worker which means he would suit Liverpool's style.

Of Liverpool's current midfielders, he is closest in style to Gini Wijnaldum.

He is press-resistant and rarely loses the ball, and comes up with a few goals here and there.

He could be the ideal man to replace 29-year-old Wijanldum when the Dutchman ages out in the next few years.

Will he move to Merseyside?

There is seemingly obvious interest in Aouar.

If he is available at a reasonable price, then perhaps Liverpool will strike this summer.

FSG did decide that spending over £50 million on a player that is not guaranteed to start is impossible in the current climate, as seen with Timo Werner.

But spending under £40 million could be possible.

The caveat is Liverpool's midfield is a lot deeper than the attack, so Aouar may have to be even cheaper than that for the club to move for him.

If not, maybe he will still become a Liverpool player in future years.

When fans are back and income is higher, perhaps Houssem Aouar will become Liverpool's replacement for Gini Wijnaldum.