(BSS/AFP) - Liverpool beat off competition from Chelsea to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for a reported fee of up to œ60 million ($82 million) on Monday.

However, the 20-year-old is not set to move to Anfield until the end of the season despite Liverpool`s need for defensive reinforcements.

Jacquet had been linked with a transfer to Chelsea earlier this month but was reportedly put off the move by the competition for places at centre-back in the Blues` bloated squad.

Liverpool, by contrast, are desperately short on centre-back options.

Captain Virgil van Dijk, 34, and Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract at the end of the season, are the only two options currently available to Arne Slot with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni sidelined by injury.

Liverpool will reportedly pay an initial œ55 million with a further œ5 million contingent on add-ons.

"Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais, with the defender set to join the club ahead of the 2026-27 season, subject to a work permit and international clearance," a statement on the club`s official website said.

"The Reds have secured a deal for the 20-year-old that will see him complete the remainder of the current campaign in Ligue 1 and move to Anfield in the summer on a long-term contract."

Jacquet, who has five caps for France Under-21s, has made 18 appearances for Rennes so far this season.

He has featured on 31 occasions for Rennes since making his debut in January 2024.

Jacquet also gained Ligue 1 experience during a loan spell with Clermont Foot.

In 2024, Jacquet helped France to the final of the U19 European Championship, during which he was named in the Team of the Tournament.