Liverpool have reportedly ‘dismissed’ suggestions that they have already beaten Premier League rivals Newcastle United to the £50 million signing of Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.
Ibrahima Konate knows the fleet-footed France U21 international better than most.
And when asked by RMC Sport about the prospect of Khephren Thuram joining him at Anfield, the Liverpool defender could hardly have been more welcoming.
“I’d be very happy for him to come to Liverpool,” Konate smiles. “I would take him under my wing and I would do everything for him to progress and become the player he wants to become.
“I saw him perform and progress. It was incredible. Even when he came to the France team for his first call-up. I saw him in training, and I was really surprised by his size and his technical ability.”
Nice star Khephren Thuram an option for Liverpool
Brother of Marcus and son of Lillian; the Italy-born enforcer possesses a grace and a touch which belies his rangy 6ft 4ins frame. His fearsome combination of physicality and poise, meanwhile, is threatening to make Thuram one of this summer’s most coveted talents, although ‘senior sources’ at Liverpool are playing down suggestions that personal terms have already been agreed with the £50 million-rated playmaker (The Athletic).
There is also interest from Newcastle (The Telegraph). Though the Magpies may be forced to consider cheaper options, such as Wolfsburg’s Felix Nmecha and Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga; Eddie Howe’s summer budget standing at around £75 million.
Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, reports that talks have been scheduled between Liverpool and the agents of both Thuram and fellow Frenchman Manu Kone. The latter, according to the Daily Mail, could come around £15 million cheaper than his dreadlocked compatriot.
Borussia Monchengladbach director Roland Virkus, meanwhile, has admitted that the athletic, all-action Kone will be allowed to leave the Bundesliga outfit if the price is right.
“Our attitude is well-known,” Virkus tells Kicker. “If there are sums involved that a club like Borussia has to think about, we will do it (sell him).”
Liverpool have already signed one midfielder this summer; Alexis Mac Allister joining from Brighton for a bargain £35 million.
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