Liverpool Eye Shock Move for Serge Aurier as Long-Term Replacement for Glen Johnson

Liverpool are considering a shock move in signing Arsenal defender target Serge Aurier this summer, according to the Metro.

The Toulouse right-back has been in fine form in the Ligue 1, which has seen him being linked with a move to the Emirates. Bacary Sagna has confirmed that he will leave the Gunners and the Ivory Coast international is reportedly set to replace the French international at North London.

The report claims the Reds have now made contact and have opened talks with Toulouse in the race to beat Arsenal in signing Aurier. The North London side were set to make a £7m bid in acquiring the services of the 21-year-old.

However, Liverpool are looking to hijack the deal so that they can get Aurier as a long-term replacement for Glen Johnson at Anfield. The England international will turn 20 in August and his contract with the Reds will run down after the end of the next season.

Aurier has already confirmed that he will join Arsenal this summer. However, the Ivory Coast defender's agent has admitted there has been no contact from Arsene Wenger's side for his client's signature.

"There is no agreement with Arsenal. We've talked in past but there has been nothing recently. We're in talks with another English side," Aurier's agent Stephane Courbis.

Brendan Rodgers is hoping that Aurier would snub the chance to join Arsenal and that he would be able to tempt him to sign for Liverpool this summer. Should the Reds secure a deal for the right-back, it will be a major blow for Wenger and Arsenal as they are in the market for Sagna's replacement.

Meanwhile, Southampton star and Manchester United summer target Luke Shaw has praised Rickie Lambert after the striker completed his switch from St Mary's Stadium to Liverpool on Monday.

"So happy for Lambo, he deserves everything he gets. Been a massive part of Southampton's recent success, his dream really is coming true and I wish him all the best and success in his new journey. Thanks for everything," Shaw explained.