A switch by the midfielder could mean the Reds are in pole position in any attempts to talk Borussia Monchengladbach into parting with 21-year-old, which may come with its own problems.
Juventus have beaten off a host of suitors from across the continent to agree a deal for Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie, Tuttosport reports, which could give Liverpool the edge in their chase of Mahmoud Dahoud.
The Ivorian, who has been likened to compatriot and four-time African footballer of the year Yaya Toure due to his driving runs and powerful shots, exploded onto the scene this season with Serie A’s surprise package, Atalanta, scoring four goals in his first five appearances in the Italian top flight.
Consequently, Goal reported in September that Arsenal and Manchester City had sent scouts to run the rule over the 19-year-old in person, while various publications in Italy suggested that Inter Milan had used the Nerrazzuri’s clash with Atalanta last month to negotiate a deal as soon as possible with a number of European giants circling.
However, Tuttosport have now claimed that Serie A champions Juventus have streaked ahead of the competition by agreeing a fee worth up to £17 million to tie up the deal in January, allowing Kessie to remain in the Bergamo for the remainder of the season before beginning his new adventure with the ‘Old Lady’ in the summer.
And this could have an intriguing impact on Liverpool’s pursuit of Mahmoud Dahoud, the German Under-21 international who, like Kessie, made scouts across Europe sit up and take notice with a number of impressive performances since breaking into the Monchengladbach first-team.
Calciomercato reported earlier in the week that Jurgen Klopp’s side would be free to pursue the German Under-21 international with Juventus turning their attentions to Kessie, but Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl told Kicker that they were not planning to wave goodbye to their prized asset and were instead readying negotiations over a new deal.
Dahoud has struggled to replicate his influence from last season, where his cutting passes were often the source of goals for Gladbach, with the speculation over his future seemingly affecting his focus on the field.
Consequently, the Bundesliga outfit may factor this into the equation when considering offering the Syrian-born playmaker an extended contract.
Liverpool may have fewer rivals for Dahoud should they decide to firm up interest, even if they will still have to be at their most convincing when speaking to the player’s club.
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