Liverpool have opened negotiations with French club OGC Nice to discuss the signing of Khephren Thuram as Jurgen Klopp begins a complete overhaul of his midfield. Reports in France suggest the Reds have made their first attempt to sign the highly-rated midfielder from the Ligue 1 outfit, with Thuram already addressing his future having been made aware of speculation linking with a move to the Premier League.
Klopp has already decided to let three midfielders leave this summer, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all heading for the exit when their contracts expire on June 30 respectively.
And the German boss is wasting no time in finding replacements for the outgoing trio, with 22-year-old Thuram earmarked as a potential signing this summer.
The France international has made a huge impression in the French league this season and was named in Ligue 1’s team of the year. Liverpool have clearly taken notice of his performances, with L’Equipe reporting talks have been ‘ongoing for weeks’ and formal discussions are now taking place with Nice to discuss a deal.
It is believed Nice hold the young midfielder in high regard after scoring twice and registering four assists in 35 games this season, with a reported price tag of €60m attempting to ward off interested parties.
Liverpool have a knack of being able to negotiate from positions of strength and secure top talent for reasonable fees. But it may be difficult to convince Thuram – the son of Les Bleus icon Lillian Thuram – to leave the French Riveria-based club based on his recent comments.
When quizzed on interest from teams in signing him this summer, Thuram told L’Equipe: “I want to progress, be on the pitch, have fun. For now, I’m at Nice, and that’s going very well.
“I really like the club, so I still see myself at Nice. I am happy at Nice. There are rumours, I hear them, but I’m happy at Nice and I hope to grow with this club.”
Liverpool had sent scouts to run the rule over Thuram and were reportedly impressed with his displays at Nice. But given his reluctance to leave, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be pushed through.
Klopp is already close to sealing his first signing of the summer, with a move for Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister understood to be close.
The Seagulls have all but confirmed the Argentine will be sold this summer, with Liverpool fighting Chelsea and Manchester City for the £75m-rated midfielder.
England midfielder Mason Mount has also been heavily linked with a high-profile switch to Anfield as Klopp looks to bring in the new generation of Liverpool players after missing out on Champions League qualification.
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