Man United accept defeat in defender chase with Premier League rivals winning the race

Liverpool have successfully fended off a dramatic late attempt from Manchester United to hijack the transfer of highly rated Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet, sealing what is increasingly viewed as one of the most strategic defensive signings of the window.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Man United made a last-ditch push in the final hours to tempt Jacquet away from Liverpool, but the move came too late.

By that stage, Liverpool already had a full agreement in place with both the player and Stade Rennais...