Transfer news: Arsenal and Liverpool 'set to commence battle' over Anderlecht's Cheikhou Kouyate

Premier League duo both in for the Senegal player, but Arsenal have the upper hand as Wenger looks to add to his backline

Anderlecht's Cheikhou Kouyate

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool are set to go head-to-head over a deal for Anderlecht's defender Cheikhou Kouyate after the player's agent revealed talks are progressing well.

The Daily Star report that both sides have scouted the 24-year-old for the last two months and plan to make a bid for Kouyate this month.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's interest dates back to the 2012 London Olympic Games where Kouyate impressed for the Senegal national side. He was refused a work permit, however, and the deal was cancelled.

The centre-back has since been granted a Belgian passport, through playing for Anderlecht, and is set to talk with his suitors in the coming days.

With Liverpool's attentions being elsewhere for the time being, Wenger is the favourite to finalise a deal.

Saffet Balkan, Kouyate's agent said: "I have been in talks with representatives from Liverpool and Arsenal over Cheikhou Kouyate.

"Arsenal are very interested in Kouyate. It’s very likely that he’ll be joining a Premier League club soon."