Liverpool may now face competition from two Premier League rivals in the race to sign £35 million-rated Manu Kone with Aston Vila and Wolves also in the race.
Just last week, Fabrizio Romano reported that Liverpool had scheduled talks with the agents of both Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram; Jurgen Klopp and co stepping up their pursuit of another midfielder to join Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield.
But like with Thuram – who reportedly has admirers at Newcastle and Manchester United – Liverpool face a battle convincing Kone that Merseyside is the place to be.
Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also showing an interest, per the Daily Mail.
The prospect of Wolves meeting Borussia Monchengladbach’s £35 million asking price may look fanciful for the moment – uncertainty swirling surrounding the size of the club’s summer budget – but Aston Villa could pose a genuine threat to Liverpool’s hopes of landing one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football.
Liverpool face Aston Villa battle for Manu Kone
Backed by billionaire owners, Aston Villa have shown no shortage of ambition since returning to the Premier League in 2019. The presence of Unai Emery and a return to European football, however, has only strengthened the club’s hand.
Kone is one of a number of high-profile targets, alongside Marco Asensio, Pau Torres and the admittedly PSG-bound Manuel Ugarte.
Gladbach director Roland Virkus, meanwhile, indicates the former Toulouse enforcer will be allowed to leave 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).”
Aston Villa signed Youri Tielemans from relegated Leicester City over the weekend. Kone, athletic, aggressive and a presence at either end of the pitch, Kone would also fit in well at an Aston Villa side who like to press high and dictate the tempo under Emery.
“I think there is one player, for me, that stands out. (One who) plays for Borussia Monchengladbach,” former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer told Sky Sports recently when discussing those who could be on their way to English football.
“And that’s Kone.
“He’s only 21 years old. He came from Toulouse. He has only been at Gladbach for two years. But he has been a real big find for them and a phenomenal player in the Bundesliga. I think someone like him could do really well at Liverpool.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
