Ex-Marseille Boss Reveals Just How Close Liverpool Came to Signing One of Europe's Hottest Prospects

Former Marseille managerJose Anigo has admitted that Liverpool came 'very close' to signing highly-rated youngster Maxime Lopez in 2014, according toL'Equipe.

The 18-year-old, who has been nicknamed 'the new Nasri', can play on either wing as well as in a playmaker role.

Lopez has made eight senior appearances or Marseille since his debut at the start of the season, providing one assist.

Speaking to L'Equipe, Anigo said:"Maxime Lopez was about to sign for them [Liverpool] in 2014."

Anigo's comments tie in with aDaily Mailreport in 2014 that claimed:"Liverpool invited Lopez to the Merseyside derby, and he met with Brendan Rodgers".

129 - Maxime Lopez has made 129 touches v Caen, the best tally for a Marseille player in a Ligue 1 game since 2006/07. Omnipresent. pic.twitter.com/9otcbxveDv

The interest in the youngster was reignited earlier this month, withTalkSPORTclaiming that the Reds have sent scouts to assess his talent.

TalkSPORT wrote:"Liverpool are interested in signing Marseille attacker Maxime Lopez [and] have sent scouts to watch him in action".

Boss Confirms Excellent attacker who visited Anfield was about to sign for Liverpool (Liverpool Kop) https://t.co/xvIoH75yLt

Although Lopez has only made a handful of appearances forL'OM, he is considered by many to have a bright future and both club and international level, withteam-mate Florian Thauvin saying tellingLa Provence: "He [Lopez] played an excellent match. He's a very good player and has a very bright future.�

Another team-mate inRod Fanni's backed up Thauvin's comments, adding:"He [Lopez] has everything to become a great number 10. He will have to work physically because he has not a very imposing size, but he can do it".