Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton are reportedly about to become locked in a transfer battle for the signing of AS Monaco full-back Yarouba Cissako.

Both Premier League sides are looking to strengthen in defensive positons ahead of the new season, with The Metro suggesting that the clubs could go head-to-head for the versatile 20-year-old's signature.

The same newspaper, which cites L'Equipe as its source, also states that further competition could come from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.

Cissako spent last season on loan at Belgian side Zulte-Waregem, where he provided seven assists in 25 appearances for the club.