Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been told the path is clear for his side to swoop in and sign Kouadio Kone before the window shuts amid claims his asking price has taken a fall in recent weeks.
The Reds’ midfield options still look a little on the light side with only six days before the transfer window slams shut. Exits of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita were planned for; however Klopp did not go into the summer window expecting to lose both stalwarts Fabinho and Jordan Henderson as well.
And while Waturu Endo has joined Alexis Mac Allister and Domink Szoboszlai in boosting Klopp’s midfield options, the German still feels he lacks at least one more player to get his squad where he wants it be this season.
Now Klopp has just a matter of days to finalise the make-up of his squad before the window closes on him.
Thankfully, there are a few options at his disposal amid links to Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure. However, the Eagles’ £70m asking price looks prohibitive, with the south-east London side keen to retain the Malian’s services.
Other options for Klopp come from overseas, with Ryan Gravenberch a potential option. To that end, Bayern Munich are reportedly warming to the idea of cashing in on the Netherlands midfielder.
However, of late it has been suggested that Klopp could revive his plan from earlier this summer to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Kone. The France star featured highly on the Reds’ wanted list after being watched at close quarters on several occasions by Liverpool scouts.
Ultimately, though, an injury sustained while on duty for France at the Under-21 Championships appeared to signal the end of Kone’s transfer prospects.
READ MORE: Klopp determined as Liverpool make contact over transfer raid on Prem rivals with price fixed at £70m
Christian Falk claims Liverpool will bid for Kouadio Kone
However, a falling price tag on Kone suggests Liverpool may yet make a new approach.
And hopes of a move to Anfield are now firmly back on course for the 22-year-old, according to Bundesliga expert Christian Falk.
Writing for Rousing The Kop, Falk stated: “With [Ryan] Gravenberch, they know what they’d be getting, though there’s also Manu Kone to consider. I heard Gladbach is also expecting an offer from Liverpool soon because, after his injury, he’s become cheaper.
“Before a suitor would have to pay about €50m [£43m], now you can get him, perhaps, for about €35m [£30m].
“So it’s up to Liverpool to make the next move. Bayern and Gladbach will be open to talks.
“PSG are still interested in Kone, so there could be a big competition for the player if Liverpool firmly enter the race.”
That falling price tag of €35m is sure to gain Klopp’s attention, given the €15m reduction from earlier this summer.
Having picked up a knee injury, the player still remains sidelined with his return to training currently estimated for early September.
The Reds, of course, would need to put him through a very-thorough examination – the Merseysiders knowing only too well about putting players through medicals with suspect knees – Nabil Fekir failed one for that very reason five summers ago.
However, if all is deemed OK, his price tag may well tempt them into a move, especially with Gladbach willing to sell
READ MORE: Klopp fuming as Man Utd named as Liverpool target’s ‘priority’ amid £25m transfer battle
Liverpool: Ryan Gravenberch transfer update
The Bayern Munich midfielder is hoping to complete a summer switch to the Premier League.
Liverpool have submitted an offer for Bayern Munich star Ryan Gravenberch, and a new report has revealed that they have already been given a response.
How old is Ryan Gravenberch?
Gravenberch is 21 years of age and only arrived at the Allianz Arena from Ajax last summer, but his debut season with Thomas Tuchel’s side didn’t go anywhere near as he would have hoped, having fallen significantly low down in the manager’s pecking order in Germany.
In the Bundesliga, Netherlands’ youth international was handed just three starts during the previous campaign and was forced to come off the bench on 21 occasions, showing exactly how out of favour he is despite still having another four years remaining on his contract, and his potential availability has alerted FSG and Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds have reportedly held advanced talks regarding a swoop for the central midfielder, with Manchester United also being credited with an interest by the same outlet, but it would appear that it’s the former club who are in pole position to secure his services and bring him to the Premier League.
Speaking to CaughtOffside, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs recently delivered an update on the talisman’s future, saying:
“Bayern’s position all summer has been that they don’t want to sell, but the player is open to Liverpool having endured a tough first season in Germany. Let’s see if Bayern’s position changes in the final few days of the window.”
Are Liverpool signing Ryan Gravenberch?
According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), Bayern have received an “important offer” from Liverpool for Gravenberch, worth approximately €48m (£41m). However, this bid has been swiftly “rejected” because the Bavarian side “don’t intend to part ways” with their prized asset this summer.
Tuchel is believed to have personally told the player that he will only be used as a substitute this season which means he is “keen to leave”, but regardless, it sounds like it could take a much more sizeable fee to prise him away before September 1st.
What is the market value of Ryan Gravenberch?
As per Transfermarkt, Gravenberch’s current market value is €30m (£25m), so Liverpool seeing a proposal of £41m turned down which is well over the former fee is frustrating, but this shouldn’t stop them from trying their luck and submitting a second bid to see if they can be more successful this time around.
The Amsterdam native is naturally stronger in the attacking aspect of his game having posted 69 goal contributions (36 goals and 33 assists) in 221 appearances throughout his career, not to mention he ranks in the 94th percentile for most shot-creating actions, so loves to get involved in the final third.
Bayern’s “top talent”, as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, also knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured seven senior trophies since first bursting onto the scene, so the 6 foot 2 colossus would be able to match the winning mentality of the current squad already on Merseyside, and it could still be a deal to keep an eye on.
