Liverpool and Man Utd face FRESH competition for key transfer target

Cameron Smith

22 Sept 2023 07:58 BST
3 min read

Liverpool and Manchester United face fresh competition in the race to sign Khephren Thuram, with Juventus now keen on signing the OGC Nice midfielder.

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Thuram, 22, was chased by several clubs during the summer transfer window, but it was Liverpool who led the way for the majority of July and August.

However, despite scouting the France international for some time, Liverpool opted against signing him. Instead, they purchased Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo as Jurgen Klopp revamped his midfield.

The Reds saw Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain all depart in a summer of change at Anfield.

Now, 90min have reported that Juventus have joined the race to sign Thuram. According to the report, Juve, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur have all sent scouts to watch Thuram during the opening few weeks of the 2023-24 season.

Liverpool have also asked to be made aware of any development in his situation at Nice, despite their recent midfield additions.

Furthermore, in August, Get French Football News reported that Man Utd sent a scout to watch Thuram in action against Lille. The Red Devils were also watching Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Thuram to Juventus?

According to 90min, however, Juventus’ recent interest has seen them leapfrog the competition in the race for Thuram.

The Old Lady are reportedly keeping close tabs on the Frenchman due to the situation regarding his countryman Paul Pogba.

Pogba, 30, tested positive for doping after traces of testosterone were found in testing following Juventus’ win over Udinese on the opening day of the season on August 20th. He could face a maximum footballing ban of four years if he is unable to return a negative test in response.

Thuram’s dad, Lilian, spent five years at Juventus during his playing career and 90min have reported that he would like to see his son play for the club too.