Rumour Mongering: Klopp Calls Dembélé, No, The Other One

Ousmane Dembélé, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder from Rennes, has had a hell of a first season. He became the youngest player in France's Ligue 1 to score more than 10 goals, tallying 12 goals and 5 assists by the end of the campaign, en route to being voted France's "Young Player of the Year."

Dembélé can play anywhere in the attacking midfield band, but has proven most effective for Rennes in the #10 role.

Although he has been strongly linked with a move Borussia Dortmund, The Guardian is reporting that Liverpool "have moved into serious contention," for the young French player, who will likely command a fee in the neighborhood of £28 million. This speculation seems to be based on an alleged phone call between Klopp and Dembélé.

Wherever his next destination might be, Dembélé is appears confident this weekend will be his last appearance for Rennes, and moreover "he knows where he is going." He has previously stated a preference to play in the Bundesliga, and has openly rejected a move to English Champs Leicester City.

"I had Claudio Ranieri on the phone," Dembélé explained. "I was surprised to hear from him, I told him that I will not go to Leicester. He does not speak very good French."

I don't know how good Klopp's French is, but I'd like to think that his voice sounded conspicuously like Mamadou Sakho's.