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Report: Clubs tracking rookie known as the ‘new Varane’

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (REUTERS)
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Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, Sunderland and Newcastle United are all thought to be tracking French rookie Jean-Kevin Duverne.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Tottenham manager Mauricio PochettinoLiverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are both said to be keeping tabs on Duverne

After only making his league debut for Lens last month, and with just three senior appearances to his name, young French defender Jean-Kevin Duverne is said to be already attracting the attention of some of England’s top clubs.

5ft 10in Duverne is regarded as a calm, composed central defender, and he has already drawn comparisons with fellow Frenchman and Real Madrid star Rafael Varane.

Football Soccer - France national soccer team news conference - World Cup 2018 QualifierJean-Kevin Duverne is tipped to forge a career like French international Rafael Varane

Duverne’s impressive debut for current club Lens, several Spanish teams have flirted with showing an interest, but it is England that have been keeping tabs with purpose. Reports in Duverne’s homeland suggest that Premier League Liverpool, Tottenham, Southampton and Sunderland are keen to secure his services, in addition to Championship side Newcastle United.

Southampton manager Claude Puel during trainingSouthampton’s French manager Claude Puel is another interested in Duverne

The 19-year-old defender has been described as ‘a fish in water‘ by his former under-17 and under-19 coach at Lens, Christopher Raymond and as someone who has both the ability and mental attitude, by Duverne’s defensive partner Anthony Scaramozzino.

The Daily Star reports Duverne commenting: “When you see clubs interested in you, it’s flattering.”

Sunderland manager David MoyesSunderland manager David Moyes knows how to spot a defensive talent – could he be about to bid for Duverne?