Mercato: Liverpool target two French midfielders

Liverpool finished a disappointing 5th in the Premier League this season and are keen to revamp their squad this summer, particularly in midfield where at least three players will be leaving at the end of their contracts: Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

While the Reds have already made good progress on Brighton's Argentinian world champion Alexis Mac Allister (24), they intend to recruit other players in this sector of the game and are targeting two talented French midfielders in particular: Khéphren Thuram (Nice) and Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

Liverpool considering Khéphren Thuram and Manu Koné

Khéphren Thuram, 22, became a French international last March and has now been playing for Nice for four years. According to L'Equipe, Liverpool have already spoken to the player, who is under contract until 2025, and a move to the Reds would not displease him, even if he feels comfortable at Nice.

The dossier remains complex, however, and Liverpool are looking at other options. According to SportBild, the English club, which has just recruited a German sporting director, is also interested in Manu Koné, also aged 22 and author of a fine season at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

(🟢) NEW:

Liverpool have entered the race for Gladbach's midfield prodigy Manu Koné and have already contacted his agents to express their interest. The Frenchman's entourage describe the interest as 'genuine' and 'significant'. Talks start at €40-45m. [@altobelli13] pic.twitter.com/ktITBpU0a0

— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) May 30, 2023

Liverpool have reportedly already contacted Manu Koné's entourage to express their interest. An interest described as "real" and "significant" by the player's entourage. For their part, the German club would demand a minimum of €40-45 million to let go of the former Toulouse man.