Last Tuesday, L’Equipe reported Liverpool have initiated talks with Malick Fofana’s agent over a move. They also stated the Reds have solid arguments to take him away from Lyon this summer.
The winger managed 11 goals and six assists from 41 games last season and Liverpool are keen on signing him.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri, writing in his column for Sky Sport CH, provides the latest on Liverpool.
The Premier League winners are genuinely interested in the 20-year-old, while Chelsea have contacted the Ligue 1 club to ask the conditions needed to sign him.
According to the journalist, Arne Slot’s side are ‘clearly ahead’ in the race to sign Fofana. He adds Liverpool head of recruitment Barry Hunter admires the Belgium international and has placed him on top of his list.
Tavolieri states the Merseyside club will have to sell Federico Chiesa to sign Fofana. Lyon value him €50m but can raise his price to €70m if there’s a bidding war.
He adds: ‘A crazy sum, quite far from his real value, but which could become achievable if the plan put in place by the player’s management team were to come to fruition.’
There’s no mention of his camp’s plan, while Liverpool haven’t yet started a ‘real discussion about personal terms’.
There could be a domino effect involving wingers in this window. Tavolieri says this could force the Reds to make an initial offer to avoid being beating by another club.
It isn’t clear whether Liverpool intend to table a bid even if Chiesa is still at Anfield.