It's claimed that Liverpool has inquired about Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone, who resisted a Chelsea bid in the summer transfer window and remained with the Serie A side
Manu Kone has been linked with several clubs, including Liverpool
Manu Kone has been linked with several clubs, including Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has inquired about securing Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone, according to reports.
The 25-year-old attracted interest from Chelsea during the summer transfer window following an impressive World Cup campaign with France, but he ultimately stayed at Roma past the deadline and has featured in all four of their opening fixtures this season. Kone's future at Roma remains uncertain, however.
Italian outlet tuttomercato reports that Liverpool has made inquiries about the French international and may launch a more "determined" approach in the months ahead. Roma rebuffed a late surge from Chelsea in the dying hours of the transfer window, turning down a £51.5 million ($69.4 million) bid, and it's suggested the Blues are poised to return with a fresh offer in January.
Nevertheless, Liverpool is keen to rival Chelsea for Kone's services and bolster its midfield options after failing to recruit in that area over the summer.
The Reds offloaded Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic, but instead focused on attacking reinforcements with Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola arriving, while also strengthening defensively as Ronald Araujo joined on loan.
Addressing Kone's situation after the transfer window closed, Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico commented: "I said it would be difficult for us to deprive ourselves of important players so near to the end of the transfer session, and that proved to be the case.
"Kone is an important player; we're happy that he remained with us."
Chelsea tried to sign Kone during the summer
Chelsea tried to sign Kone during the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Alongside Kone, the Merseysiders have maintained a longstanding interest in Monaco's Lamine Camara, another midfielder whom Chelsea attempted to recruit during the summer window.
Monaco, however, withdrew from sanctioning his departure at the final moment.
Liverpool has experienced an inconsistent opening to the 2026/27 campaign. The team currently occupies seventh position in the Premier League standings, securing victory in only one of its opening four games.
The Reds have, though, avoided defeat, sharing the points in the remaining three encounters.
In the Champions League, Andoni Iraola's players began the league phase positively, overcoming Atletico Madrid 2-1 the previous week.
They were, however, unable to maintain that momentum, settling for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Fulham on Saturday.
While the Reds fashioned some opportunities, they failed to generate sufficient quality to find the net and left Anfield disappointed with a single point.