Liverpool have entered the race to sign France World Cup star Manu Kone this summer, and are looking to pip Man Utd to his signature, according to Football Insider.
The Reds are planning for a big summer transfer window after losing all of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate on free transfers, while the club also sacked Arne Slot as manager. New boss Andoni Iraola has so far brought in Victor Munoz to reinforce the attack, but more additions are expected.
Now the club are understood to be looking at midfield options, and the club have taken a liking to one star in particular.
Liverpool Eye Manu Kone Hijack
Manu Kone Romavia Reuters
Kone, who has been described as 'phenomenal', enjoyed a superb World Cup campaign with France as Les Bleus finished fourth, with the AS Roma star a key part of Didier Deschamps' midfield options.
Man Utd are understood to be showing a big interest in the 25-year-old, with Roma open to a sale this summer, but Liverpool are now set to enter the race for his signature.
Iraola is understood to want to strengthen his midfield options, and after watching Kone regularly during the World Cup this summer, Liverpool are now prepared to step up their interest to try and beat a host of rivals to a deal.
The France star still has three years remaining on his contract in Italy, but it's understood that Roma would be willing to sell for around £50m due to their financial situation currently.
Midfield star Dominik Szoboszlai has signed a new contract at Anfield in recent days, but there are question marks over the future of Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister ahead of the new season, and that could open up a spot for Kone to slot into Iraola's side.
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Liverpool Need to Get a Move On
Andoni Iraola gives thumbs-up after Bournemouth Premier League gameREUTERS/Peter Powell
After appointing Iraola as manager, the expectation was that Liverpool would act quickly and ruthlessly in the transfer market. But so far, the club have hijacked a move to sign Munoz from Osasuna, and that's it.
The squad is razor-thin already, and with more exits already happening since the end of the season, there are several positions in the squad that need addressing, including central midfield.
If Liverpool want to be competitive again next season, having had a disappointing campaign last time out, they need to get a move on in the transfer market, and a deal for Kone would be the perfect start to that.
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