A crew of Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on Olympiacos centre-back Pape Abou Cisse, with Liverpool leading the charge for the Senegal star. 

Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton sent scouts to Istanbul for Olympiacos’ Europa League clash with Fenerbahce – seeing Cisse keep a clean-sheet as the visitors won 3-0 to seize control of Group D. 

The Greek champions’ defence has been rock solid this season, with the 26-year-old starting alongside former Gunners centre-half Sokratis Papastathopoulos and conceding only twice in five league games. 

Liverpool are interested in signing defender Pape Abou Cisse from Greek side Olympiacos 

The Senegal centre-back has locked down a spot in the Olympiacos defence this season 

Cisse has been the subject of several inquiries, with Liverpool showing the most intent so far. The centre-back has earned a spot on the Reds’ transfer shortlist, as the Merseysiders look to strengthen at centre-back.   

The defensive crisis dumped at Jurgen Klopp’s door last season demonstrated how rapidly a title challenge can unravel. Though Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Fabinho are unlikely to all be sidelined at once again this season, more depth is required.    

Cisse would have a familiar face to welcome him at Anfield, with his international team-mate Sadio Mane already established as a Reds legend. 

Scouts were sent by three Premier League clubs to their 3-0 European win over Fenerbahce 

The Senegalese stars have shared a dressing room on many occasions but Cisse, with only four caps, hasn’t been granted the opportunity to link-up with the world, European and Premier League champion much. 

His international inexperience owes to the presence of PSG powerhouse Abdou Diallo and Napoli strongman Kalidou Koulibaly in a talent Senegal setup.  

Cisse has made an impressive six-year charge to the glitz of European nights and could begin to challenge for more international caps following a move to England, having begun his career with Senegalese side AS Pikine. 

The towering six-foot-six enforcer was poached by French second tier club AC Ajaccio, impressing enough in 18 months to earn a move to Olympiacos.  

Cisse (right) scored the opener as Olympiacos shocked Arsenal in the 2019-20 Europa League

Via loan moves back to France with Ajaccio and Saint-Etienne, Cisse is set to play a key role in the Greek champions’ title defence. He is yet to miss a match this season.  

Cisse played a central role in Olympiacos’ sensational upset of Arsenal in the Europa League back in February 2020. 

The centre-back didn’t need to utilise his height to score unmarked from Mathieu Valbuena’s corner, as Mikel Arteta’s first season went to ruin with the last-32 exit. 

Source: DailyMail Sports