Manchester United and Chelsea have both overtaken Liverpool in the race to sign French midfielder Manu Kone.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the Borussia Monchengladbach man for some time. But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool may no longer be in the picture to sign him this summer.
“It’s my understanding that three clubs in the moment are leading the race for Manu Kone, one for sure is Chelsea,” Romano said on his YouTube channel today. “Chelsea will be there. Manchester United are following the player too. So, Chelsea, Man United and PSG.
“Other clubs still have time to enter the race and try to lead the race in the next few weeks but these three clubs are already exploring contacts and situation for Manu Kone.
“So, keep an eye on him because the expectation is for a summer move. It’s my understanding that a summer move will be worth at least, at least €50m [£44m] with add-ons. So it’s going to be an expensive deal for Manu Kone.”
Liverpool pass up Kone opportunity
Kone has the feel of a player who’s on Liverpool’s long list of midfield options for the summer. There have been rumours swirling around for a long, long time but in reality it seems that the Reds have other preferred targets.
That might be just as well, because from what Romano is saying, they’re near-certain to miss out on him.
At around £44m, maybe the 21-year-old represents just too much of a gamble for Liverpool. They clearly rate him highly, but the Reds can’t afford to make expensive mistakes this summer. Without any truly top-level experience to speak of, Kone isn’t a sure thing.
That said, he’s clearly an exceptionally talented player. For the three clubs Romano mentioned to be in for you, you’ve got to have something special.
It wouldn’t be a big surprise if Liverpool come to regret not pushing harder for him in a summer where midfield is the name of the game.
For now though, if Chelsea or United signing Kone means they leave other Liverpool targets alone, we’re fine with it. The Gladbach man may well turn into a top player in the Premier League. But the Reds have bigger fish to fry.
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