Kone, Thuram on Summer Transfers

Liverpool are reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield this summer, with Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram among the evergrowing list of names linked with moves to Merseyside. Tuesday evening saw the midfielders strongly linked with summer switches to the Reds, with various sources claiming that Liverpool were actively pursuing both players. SPORT BILD reported that negotiations to sign Borussia Monchengladbach’s Kone were expected to start at around £35 million, while journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted that the Frenchman “could be available” for a fee between £30 million to £35 million. Kone himself spoke to Le Parisien in March, maintaining that he is able to “live well” with rumours amid speculation linking the 22-year old with various clubs. Thuram is also currently the subject of strong Liverpool-related rumours, with GOAL‘s Neil Jones insisting that there is “definitely interest” in the midfielder from the Reds perspective and L’Equipe claiming that both clubs have been in contact “for a few weeks.” Back in March, the Telegraph reported that the youngster was aware of interest from a number of top clubs but that he remained “happy” in Ligue 1. More recently at the UNFP award ceremony, Thuram again admitted that he had detected the “noises” around his future but that he was looking to “grow” with Nice. As of yet, no formal approach from Liverpool for either player has been reported, but the speculation continues to build as the manager looks to make early headway in the transfer market. The Reds join Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Matheus Nunes on the reported shopping list ahead of next season, making it an interesting couple of weeks ahead for Liverpool fans as the club continue to be linked to various midfielders across Europe.