Gunners scout Standard skipper

Defour: Highly rated

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Steven Defour's agent has claimed Arsenal have joined the chase to sign the Standard Liege midfielder.

The 20-year-old is already a full Belgium international, in addition to being Liege's captain, and has been tipped for a move to the Premier League.

Everton, who signed Marouane Fellaini from Liege before the close of the transfer window, have been linked with a bid, along with Middlesbrough.

Ajax and Palermo have also shown an interest in the youngster, whose agent Paul Stefani claims Arsenal and French champions Lyon have now entered the hunt.

"Steven Defour is regularly linked with other clubs," said Stefani in La Derniere Heure. "After Ajax, Middlesbrough and Palermo, there are bigger teams mentioned.

"Lyon and Arsenal came to scout Steven, and they decided to return to watch him again."

Anything could happen

Although there have been no firm offers for Defour, a bid in excess of £8million will reportedly tempt Standard into selling the highly-rated midfielder.

Stefani added: "There is nothing concrete.

"If an offer does arrive, Standard should really consider it. If the deal matches all parties, his departure is very possible.

"He could move in January, you never know. The Fellaini transfer was all concluded in a week, it just depends on if the club are willing to put the effort in, but anything could happen."