Liverpool have seemingly been handed a boost in their pursuit of a summer transfer target.
A number of changes are set to be made both on and off the pitch at Anfield, most notably in the dugout with legendary manager Jurgen Klopp stepping down from his post at the end of the season.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have taken up the roles of CEO of Football and sporting director respectively at Liverpool, and they could soon be joined at the club by Arne Slot, who is expected to succeed Klopp as manager.
The sooner the arrival of a new manager, the more time that Liverpool's chiefs will have to assess their senior squad and make decisions on which players they wish to recruit and part ways with ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Nevertheless, the Reds continue to be linked with a host of players across the globe and it is understood that they could be a leading contender in the race to sign one of their long-term targets for a cut-price fee.
© Reuters
Liverpool receive boost in Thuram pursuit?
According to French news outlet Nice-Matin, via The Mirror, Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram for just £13m this summer.
The 23-year-old is believed to have been on the Reds' radar for some time and was linked with a potential move to Anfield last summer, but a transfer ultimately failed to materialise.
Liverpool instead recruited Wataru Endo from Stuttgart and he has since proved to be an invaluable assest in Klopp's first-team squad, making 42 appearances as a defensive midfielder across all competitions.
The addition of a new midfielder is set to be considered by Liverpool this summer, though, as Thiago Alcantara is expected to depart when his contract expires at the end of June.
© Reuters
Thuram represents a cheaper alternative to other midfield targets Liverpool may have; Nice were allegedly demanding in excess of £30m for the Frenchman last summer, but will now accept offers of only £13m as he has entered the final year of his contract.
Liverpool could face competition for Thuram's signature, though, as Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are all believed to be keeping tabs on his situation.
Earlier this season, Thuram claimed that it was his decision not to leave Nice last summer, telling reporters: "Regarding what happened in the transfer window, I decided to stay. I wanted to continue to progress at Nice, and progress as a player at this club.
"Honestly, it made me happy to be linked to all these clubs left, right and centre. It shows I'm doing the right things but as I said, I knew I wanted to stay here."
Thuram, who has one international cap for France, has made a total of 166 appearances for Nice since joining the club from Monaco in 2019, and has played 26 times in Ligue 1 so far this season.
Oliver Thomas
