Liverpool have missed out on the signing of Jean-Kevin Duverne, according to France Football magazine. The young French defender signed his first professional contract with his club Lens on Wednesday.
The French publication reports that Liverpool, along with Tottenham, Southampton, Newcastle, Sunderland and a number of Spanish clubs were all looking to to sign the 19 year old.
Duverne has made five appearances for Lens so far in Ligue Two and made his senior debut only last month against Tours FC in the league. The centre back, who can also play right back, said he was flattered by interest from other clubs but he felt it was the right decision to stay at Lens and further improve under manager Alain Casanova who has given him his debut in the first team this season:
“When you see the clubs interested in you, it’s flattering. The goal was turning pro with RC Lens. Although I am inspired by Sergio Ramos and Thiago Silva, I hope to make a career like (Raphael) Varane. Me, I want to play to the maximum, I take what there is to take and I want to give the best of myself.”
Duverne will likely make his sixth appearance for Lens tonight as they face Clermont in the league. His club currently sit tenth in Ligue Two.
