Liverpool get surprise Thuram transfer incentive after opening Lavia talks

Liverpool have been handed a timely incentive as they consider a formal approach for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram after France U21s were unexpectedly dumped out of the European Championships in Romania and Georgia by Ukraine. Les Bleus were among the favourites to lift the trophy after winning all three of their group matches but Sylvain Ripoll’s side came unstuck on Sunday evening as they were defeated 3-1 by an impressive Ukraine side that featured Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

France had led early in the first half through Lyon winger Rayan Cherki but the underdogs fought back with two first-half goals from Shakhtar midfielder Heorhiy Sudakov to go in 2-1 at the break.

Ukraine were able to withstand the pressure in the second half and they eventually put the game to bed when Artem Bondarenko made it 3-1 to send France packing.

Liverpool now have the encouragement they require to push ahead with a deal for Thuram – should they wish to sign the 22-year-old maestro.

It has been clear that any move would have to wait until after the tournament out of respect for the player and France.

Now Liverpool’s interest will be put to the test as Jurgen Klopp seeks to conclude his summer transfer business swiftly after already landing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite the two new arrivals, there have so far been no indications to suggest Liverpool’s work is done when it comes to signing midfielders this summer.

The door is very much open for a third midfield recruit with Liverpool expected to pick between Thuram and Romeo Lavia.

Thuram is thought to be available for around £30million with Lavia currently priced at closer to £45m.

The Reds have reportedly initiated contact with the Belgian’s reps and Southampton over a deal as they seek to gauge the potential finances involved.

They currently remain the only club interested in the Frenchman and Nice are preparing for a sale as they wait for the Reds to make their move.

Interestingly, Thuram was recently left out of their 2023/24 kit launch which would suggest they are resigned to losing the midfielder.

Meanwhile, Liverpool face stern competition for Lavia but they are among the frontrunners for the highly-rated Saints lynchpin.

Arsenal are also interested however while Chelsea could yet make a move if they encounter problems trying to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

Either way, Thuram looks the cheaper option at this moment in time and a deal is seemingly there to be struck.

France U21’s elimination from the European Championships will now determine how hard and how soon they’re prepared to push to get the signing over the line as Southampton continue to hold firm over Lavia.