BOUMSONG ANFIELD BOUND

Liverpool have opened talks with Jean-Alain Boumsong, but the Auxerre defender says he is not expecting to move before the end of the season.

The 23-year-old had been linked with a move to Anfield throughout the summer after revealing he would not renew his contract with Auxerre.

But no deal has so far materialised.

On Wednesday, Boumsong said: "There has been contact with Liverpool but I have not signed anything."

Liverpool's defence has looked brittle through the early part of the season.

And boss Gerard Houllier is thought to be keen to bolster his backline, with Boumsong available on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer of 2004.

Auxerre boss Guy Roux is battling to fend off Liverpool's interest in both Boumsong and striker Djibril Cisse.

Boumsong is on the cusp of France's international set-up and could be part of the squad to face Israel in their Euro 2004 qualifier.

The squad is announced by boss Jacques Santini on Thursday.

BBCi