Liverpool monitoring 21-year-old Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina with a view to make a move in the future.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Reds have set their sights on the young defensive midfielder as they look for replacements for departing captain Steven Gerrard.

Brendan Rodgers is scouring the market for quality midfielder to make up for the loss of his captain next season. The Anfield legend has agreed to join MLS outfit LA Galaxy on a free transfer leaving a big hole for the manager to fill.

With Lucas Leiva also seemingly on his way out, the Merseyside club will be short on cover for the defensive midfield role.

Summer arrival Emre Can will be the only cover for Jordan Henderson in the midfield and the manager has identified multiple targets to fill in the gap.

Lemina, is a Gabonese born French U21 international, who refused a call up by his birth country at the ongoing 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

"All that is being said are just rumours, I'm sorry but there has been no agreement between Gabon and me. I will not go to the Nations Cup," Lemina said, as quoted by the BBC.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who was part of the U20 France team that won the World Cup in 2013 has pledged his immediate future to the Les Bleus.

Despite being just 21, the midfielder has broken into the Marseille first-team and has made 14 appearances and scored two goals thus far this campaign.

Apart from Lemina, the Reds boss is monitoring Aston Villa's Fabian Delph and AS Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic among others as possible replacements.

Liverpool have struggled this season following their heroics displayed in the 2013-14 season. The club has failed to replicate their offensive or defensive form prompting the manager to go into the transfer market, despite having spent over £100m last summer.