Former Liverpool transfer target desperate for summer move; Reds could revive their interest

Former Liverpool transfer target Manu Kone is desperate to leave Borussia Monchengladbach this summer and could be available for as little as €20m (£16.8m).

Liverpool signed four midfielders last summer ahead of Jurgen Klopp's final campaign at the helm as they conducted a mini-rebuild, with Kone long linked with an Anfield switch as the Reds looked to raid the Bundesliga.

Former short-term sporting director Jorg Schmadtke did sign three Bundesliga midfielders - Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch - but opted against pursuing Kone.

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The 23-year-old, who is currently representing France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, stayed at Monchengladbach for another season but is now eager to leave the Foals this summer.

With Liverpool also potentially in the market for a defensive midfielder, could the Reds revive their interest in the Frenchman?

MANU KONE SEEKING BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH EXIT

Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus has now revealed that Kone has informed the German club of his desire for a fresh start before the end of the transfer window.

Speaking to kicker, Virkus stated: "Manu Kone told us quite early on that he would like to leave the club. But there is no movement there either. We are watching the Olympic Games and then we will have to see what happens.

"If something comes up, we will listen to it. But without the pressure to do it. In the end, it has to be a good fit for all parties."

Kone, whose contract expires in 2026, could cost prospective buyers just £16.8m according to certain reports, significantly lower than the £30m to £35m fee Liverpool were quoted last summer.

The young midfielder has blossomed at Monchengladbach since arriving from Toulouse in 2021 and the two-cap France international is likely to intrigue Europe's top clubs given his affordable price tag.

COULD LIVERPOOL GO BACK IN FOR MANU KONE?

Liverpool were frequently linked with Kone last summer but there have been no reports suggesting that the Reds are still keen on him. After all, there is a new sporting director calling the shots and a different head coach in charge of the squad.

However, it's thought that Liverpool may be in the hunt for a new defensive midfielder this summer. While they have rejected an £11.8m off for current No.6 Wataru Endo, it's believed that they would sanction an exit for the Japan international for the right price.

Alexis Mac Allister will be preferred in a more advanced role under new head coach Arne Slot, while Stefan Bajcetic and Tyler Morton may be too young and inexperienced to be relied upon in big matches.

Therefore, a new midfielder is on the cards and Kone certainly has a respectable reputation.

Elegant in possession, Kone averaged more dribbles per 90 than any of his teammates in the league last term, also sitting in the top 15 per cent of Bundesliga midfielders for tackles per match. He's press resistant and would offer something unique at the base of Liverpool's midfield.

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