Liverpool have now opened talks to sign Manu Kone as they look to beat Chelsea to the Frenchman’s signature.
That is according to Christian Falk of German news outlet BILD.
So, what are the details involving Liverpool, Chelsea and Kone? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – according to 90min – Chelsea have been scouting the Borussia Monchengladbach No.17 intensively this season as midfield reinforcements are targeted at Stamford Bridge.
Now – however – the Blues could lose out to Liverpool, who can offer Kone European football next season, something Chelsea are unable to do.
Falk believes the Reds view the 22-year-old as an alternative to Jude Bellingham, who is close to joining Real Madrid, and talks have started over a deal to bring him to Anfield.
The BILD journalist does not mention any financial details, although Fabrizio Romano has previously stated that it will take a sum of €50m (£44m) to convince Borussia Monchengladbach to sell Kone.
Liverpool and Chelsea are taking an interest in the France Under-21 international after an excellent 2022/23 season, in which he made 31 appearances across all competitions.
Chelsea need an answer from Ugarte soon as Liverpool negotiate over Kone
Amid talk of Liverpool discussing a deal for Kone – who Media Foot have called a ‘diamond’ – Chelsea have been very strongly linked with a move for Sporting CP No.15 Manuel Ugarte.
A story from Record claimed that the Uruguay international wants to join the Blues, but he is currently hesitating after learning that the wages on offer are 50% of what PSG are willing to pay.
The longer Ugarte takes to make a decision, the chances of Kone joining Liverpool – and not Chelsea – increase.
The nightmare scenario is that Ugarte moves to PSG and Liverpool sign Kone, so Chelsea must push the South American into making a decision as soon as possible, or else Mauricio Pochettino could miss out on two targets.
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