Liverpool are getting ready for a winter transfer window tussle with Manchester City as latest reports indicate that the Premier League duo is all set to battle it out for the signature of Jean Michael Seri. The Ivory Coast international, currently at OGC Nice, is attracting eyeballs from across Europe but latest reports indicate that the Reds and the Cityzens are in pole position for the youngster.
According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are preparing a big-money move for the 26-year-old. Interestingly, it was only in August that Nice reportedly turned down a £35.2million move for the player from Barcelona.
That came right after the Catalans were flush with transfer money of Neymar. It was reported at that time that Seri was close to joining the Spanish side, but that the bid was rejected by Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere, much to the dismay and disappointment of the player.
Now, it is being reported that City and Liverpool have entered the fray and have had their scouts watch Seri extensively this season. The report also talks about further scouting from the Premier League giants before making a move.
Paris Saint-Germain is another interested club, but Seri has set his sights on a move to England – according to sources – either in January or the next summer.
As you hear with every target across Europe, Arsenal were also interested in the player but did not go ahead with a formal approach. The player is currently recuperating from an injury that has prevented him from playing for almost a month.
So, can Liverpool cut through the traffic and get their man? Liverpool are looking increasingly likely to lose Emre Can, most probably to Juventus. RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita is scheduled to join the club next summer, but manager Jurgen Klopp is looking to add more quality to his ranks.
Pep Guardiola and City are also on the lookout for a central midfielder as Fernandinho and Yaya Toure are looking like a pale shadow of their old selves while Ilkay Gundogan is injury-prone.
If the Reds can show the prospect of more game time than anyone, including City, a deal for Seri may not be difficult.
What do you think?
