Roland Virkus – Director of Football at Borussia Monchengladbach – has been speaking about Liverpool and Newcastle target Manu Kone.
What’s the story?
Well, the France Under-21 international was the subject of interest from both Jürgen Klopp and Eddie Howe over the summer, with Borussia Monchengladbach valuing their prodigy at £30m.
Now, Virkus has admitted that the Bundesliga side may struggle to keep Kone around.
Speaking to BILD, the 55-year-old said: “I’d be lying if I said we would never sell him. There have already been inquiries for Manu, but we don’t have to sell him yet.
“The boy must want to take his next step to a club that is significantly bigger than Gladbach, and we also have to be satisfied.”
Kone – who has been likened to Paul Pogba – has become a key man for Borussia Monchengladbach, starting all seven Bundesliga games this season following a breakthrough campaign last term.
Interestingly, Marcelo Bielsa wanted Leeds to sign the Frenchman when he was playing for Toulouse, although the Whites failed to grant his wish before Jesse Marsch eventually replaced the Argentine.
Liverpool & Newcastle could sign Manu Kone in 2023
In our view, Virkus may have already signed a replacement for Kone.
Shortly before the transfer deadline, Borussia Monchengladbach signed Julian Weigl on loan from Benfica for the 2022/23 campaign, while also interestingly negotiating an option to buy the Germany international.
Therefore, if he does well, the midfielder could join on a permanent basis and replace Kone.
In our view, Liverpool are likelier to sign the 21-year-old than Newcastle.
Klopp desperately needs to strengthen his midfield department, and with Virkus claiming that Kone should only join a side who are “significantly bigger” than Borussia Monchengladbach, all signs point to Anfield.
Of course, Newcastle are a huge club, but with Borussia Monchengladbach playing Champions League football at the moment, a move to Tyneside would represent a step down for the midfielder.
Keep an eye on this saga going into 2023, as Virkus is clearly aware he can’t keep Kone forever.
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