EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool face Thuram delay as Nice aim for bidding war

Jacque Talbot

14 Jun 2023 13:55 BST
3 min read

Nice are in talks with Liverpool over the potential fee for Khephren Thuram but there is a fear that the French outfit may look to draw out a number of other interested clubs in purchasing the Reds’ number one target, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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We understand that the 22-year-old, who is currently away on France U21 duty, is hoping for a move to Anfield and that he has informed his current club of his position.

The midfielder was always set for a transfer this summer, but Nice are wary that there is just one club at the table at present and so have not gained as much leverage as they would have liked to raise the €60 million asking price they want for the player.

Nice have remained tight-lipped on matters concerning Thuram, sources tell us, and an ideal scenario for them would be for another side to enter the fray and a bidding war to commence. Paris Saint-Germain had interest in Thuram, but their proposal of a number of fleshed-out instalments wasn’t to Nice’s liking. Newcastle have strong interest but have been put off by the initial asking price for now.

Nice will be willing to let the player leave, as has been the case since the turn of the year, but they want a higher price and a payment structure agreeable to them.

As we exclusively reported, Thuram has verbally agreed personal terms with Liverpool over a proposed move, with his father, France legend Lillian, pushing for his son to make a transfer to Merseyside.

Agent games

© ProShots - Kone is another player liked by Liverpool

The midfielder’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, uploaded a snap of herself at Nice’s HQ today to her 52k followers but it's not yet clear what the meeting was about.

Manu Kone remains liked by Liverpool, and while there have been talks, things are not as far advanced as they are with his compatriot Thuram.

Thuram would mark the second transfer for Liverpool this summer window having already brought in Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. The club have been intent on ensuring that deals are not left until late in the window and there is an anticipation that their transfer business should be wrapped up in the coming weeks.