Liverpool have opened talks with Arsenal over a deal for ex-Saint Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Chelsea appeared to have moved ahead in the race to sign the England international after reportedly having a bid of £40million accepted.

However, Liverpool have been monitoring the situation of the 24-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract, for several months and they made their move to start negotiations this morning.

It is understood Oxlade-Chamberlain never got to the point of discussing personal terms at Stamford Bridge as his preferred destination is Anfield and he was holding out for the Reds to make their move.

Oxlade-Chamberlain helped Saints win promotion from League 1 in 2010/11, before moving to Arsenal as a 17-year-old in the summer of 2011 for around £11m.