According to French publication L’Equipe, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Lille left-back Mathieu Debuchy as Roy Hodgson steps up his quest to find cover for England international Glen Johnson.

The 25-year-old has spent his entire career with the Ligue 1 stalwarts making over 200 appearances since debuting in 2003. Versatile enough to be deployed in midfield as a deep-lying playmakerby Les Dogues, the Frenchman has garnered bountiful European experience at the Stade Borne de L’Espoir, featuring in the Champions League and UEFA Cup over the last five years.

Tipped to be a part of Laurent Blanc’s France squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualification campaign, having received his first call-up to Les Bleus for their friendly match with Norway ealier this month, it appears that Debuchy’s potential is finally being realised at the top of the game.

Under contract with Lille until 2012, it is suggested that the player could be the subject of a formal approach in the coming days with Liverpool willing to offer upwards of £4 million for the utlity man.