Liverpool have ‘entered the poker’ for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Manu Koné, according to SportBild.
The Reds need to bolster their midfield in the summer after having confirmed the exits of a few players operating in the same position.
Liverpool have already contacted the 22-year-old’s agent to express their interest as Jürgen Klopp ‘wants’ him at the Merseyside club.
From sources close to the Frenchman, it’s been told the Premier League side’s intentions to land him are ‘big and real’. Liverpool could ‘even hold talks’ with the Bundesliga side.
Jörg Schmadtke was appointed as the sporting director at Anfield on Tuesday but the Reds had already asked about the fee even before the new chief arrived. It’s claimed Liverpool were told that Gladbach will need €40-45m for Koné.
The midfielder’s contract is until 2025, with an option to extend it by a year. There are no conditions attached to it and Mönchengladbach can exercise it any time, which gives them an edge to set the price tag of €40-45m.
At the same time, the German club need ‘quick income’ in order to carry out signings in the next window, which is why they would be willing to negotiate the best deal for Koné.
It’s ‘already clear’ the Frenchman will leave Gladbach in the summer and his sale can help them make new signings. This could come as an encouragement for Liverpool to acquire his signature.
