Echo: Ryad's LFC claim (VIDEO)

An award-winning African footballer claims Liverpool FC are interested in signing him.

Sochaux midfielder Ryad Boudebouz, who was named Young African Footballer of the Year in 2010, told reporters that the Reds have made contact with his agent over the possibility of a move.

Boudebouz says several sides are in the hunt for his signature but has previously stated he would welcome a move to England.

A member of the Algeria squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Boudebouz is not an unknown quantity on these shores having played in the Group C against the England side which included Jamie Carragher.

Boudebouz is said to looking for a move away from Sochaux after they finished 14th in Ligue 1 this season and sees Anfield as a potential new home.

The 22-year-old said: "Certainly, my agent is in talks with some clubs, particularly in France, but there is still nothing concrete.

"There is also Liverpool, who have initiated discussions with my agent, but at the risk of repeating myself, everything is in the discussion stage, no more."