Liverpool are now prepared to enter the race for AS Roma star Manu Kone, with Andoni Iraola keen to improve his midfield options this summer.
Kone has emerged as a target off the back of his performances for both Roma and France, with European football expert Andy Brassell lauding the midfielder's performances for club and country.
“He's been absolutely brilliant. He's the guy you can rely on for everything. He'll run all day, he can help in the construction of the game, he can break it up at the other end and he never asks for a break.
“Kone has been absolutely unbelievable for [Roma] and absolutely unbelievable for France.”
The Frenchman subsequently went on to be an important player for Didier Deschamps at the World Cup, making five appearances, with France finishing in fourth-place after a 6-4 defeat against England in the third-place play-off.
France's Manu Kone in action
Manu Kone's World Cup performance
5 appearances
386 minutes played
3 chances created
2.6 defensive contributions per 90
0.9 possession won in final third per 90
Although the 25-year-old was unable to register a goal or an assist at the World Cup, he is also capable of making an impact on the front foot, chipping in with five goal involvements in 29 Serie A appearances for Roma last season.
Liverpool poised to join race for Manu Kone
According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool are now "very" interested in Kone and hijack the interest of Manchester United, who have already opened talks regarding a deal for the central midfielder.
Transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke added: "There are a lot of clubs interested in signing him, and there has been talk that Liverpool could potentially make a move for him after watching him at the World Cup.
"We know they also want to improve their midfield options, and he is somebody who is very much on their radar as they aim to strengthen Andoni Iraola's squad."
What's the state of play on Manu Kone to Liverpool?
Liverpool ready to join race
Price tag revealed
Liverpool's other targets
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