Agent Confirms Liverpool and Manchester United Interest in French Prodigy

Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma has a number of options this summer after it was revealed that a number of European clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United, are chasing his signature.

The 18 year old, who will represent France at the Under-20 World Cup, broke into the first team last season and went on to make 18 appearances in Ligue 1 as he helped the club secure an impressive fifth place finish.

Zouma is considered to be one of the best young talents in France but it seems he may not be playing his club football in the country for much longer after his agent admitted that there was interest from several European clubs.

"English, Italian and Spanish teams have been interested in him. But when you want to sell a player for more than €10m it is hard to find a team capable of meeting those demands", advisor David Venditelli explained to Fichajes.com.

"The club knows we've spoken to Liverpool, with Atletico Madrid and with Bayer Leverkusen.

"They also know that Manchester United are interested, but don't want to pay the money they want. They also know that Juventus are interested.

"I say this because these are the names of the teams that have come and who are watching developments."

Manchester United missed out on signing French youngster Raphael Varane two summers ago when the central defender decided to move to Real Madrid and it seems as though they will have competition if they wish to sign Zouma.

Despite the comments that United have been put off by the defender's substantial price tag, Moyes may well decide to pursue the French defender rather than lose him to one of their European rivals.

Liverpool have also shown their willingness to sign young players under Brendan Rodgers and after the retirement of Jamie Carragher they are short of options in central defence.

However, it will certainly not be easy for either Premier League club to sign the French youth international as his agent also revealed there was interest from big spending Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala.

Vendtelli said: "With regard to Anzhi, I must say that [their interest] is true. I think it would be cool to play with great players like those in the Anzhi."