Italian giants eyeing a move for 22-year-old Liverpool target Manu Kone

Juventus earmark Manu Kone amid serious interest from Liverpool

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t the Liverpool Echo), Juventus have joined Liverpool in the race to sign highly-rated French midfielder Manu Kone this summer.

In the previous transfer window, the Reds were linked with the talented 22-year-old as a potential replacement for Fabinho or Jordan Henderson, although no transfer actually happened.

Borussia Mönchengladbach are now ready to listen to offers and have lowered their asking price for the youngster, which comes as a major boost for the suitors.

Calcio Mercato suggests that a bid of €25 million (approximately £21.5 million) might be sufficient to persuade the German club to sell Kone in January. However, Juventus are also keenly interested in the midfielder, setting the stage for an intense battle for his services in the upcoming year.

In fact, the Bianconeri have made inquiries about signing the French star in January, likely due to Paul Pogba facing investigations for alleged doping violations and a potential suspension.

As a result, Liverpool will need to act swiftly if they intend to secure the signature of their long-standing target. Jurgen Klopp’s side now has the opportunity to acquire Kone at a lower cost.

The former Toulouse star joined Monchengladbach in January 2021 and has since become a key figure for the Bundesliga team. The French under-21 international has accumulated 60 appearances for his side, contributing four goals and two assists.

Known for his versatility, Kone can operate as a defensive, central, or attacking midfielder. Monchengladbach’s sporting director, Roland Virkus, has described him as a player with both toughness and intelligence, capable of providing balance to any midfield.

If the youngster joins Anfield, he could add competition to players like Endo, Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister. The Reds are believed to be admirers of Kone, so it remains to be seen if Liverpool will indeed submit an official offer for him when the transfer window reopens.

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They possess the financial means to meet the new asking price, and the outcome will depend on whether they can outmanoeuvre the competition from Juventus.