Liverpool have secured a pre-agreement with Rennes to sign defender Jeremy Jacquet during the summer transfer window, according to sources who spoke with ESPN. The deal is valued at £55 million ($74 million) plus £5 million ($6.8 million) in performance-based add-ons for the 20-year-old center-back.

The French defender is viewed as a vital component of Liverpool's defensive reconstruction efforts. Chelsea had expressed interest in Jacquet, but sources indicate he prefers joining the Anfield club, with personal terms expected to be straightforward.

Liverpool require defensive reinforcements amid uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson, who both face expiring contracts this summer. The Premier League champions previously attempted to acquire Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace last summer for £35 million ($47.8 million), but Palace canceled the transaction on deadline day.

Guehi subsequently joined Manchester City earlier this month. Liverpool held discussions regarding a January transfer for Netherlands international Lutsharel Geertruida, currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, but abandoned the pursuit after Sunderland couldn't secure a replacement.

Arne Slot's squad has endured numerous defensive setbacks this season. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined for the remainder of the campaign, while Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong also remain unavailable.

The defending champions currently sit in sixth place, trailing league leaders Arsenal by 14 points. Liverpool remain within striking distance of fourth-placed Manchester United, sitting just two points behind in the race for Champions League qualification.

Jacquet represents Liverpool's commitment to addressing their defensive vulnerabilities with young talent. The French international will join the club after completing the current season with Rennes in Ligue 1.