Sources: Liverpool join race to sign Manu Kone after latest transfer mission
Liverpool are preapred to join rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Roma star Manu Kone, sources have told Football Insider.
Alongside their rivals, Andoni Iraola's side had scouts keeping tabs on the 25-year-old's performances at the World Cup, where he featured for the fourth-placed France side.
The newly-appointed boss is keen to improve his midfield options this summer, and the Roma midfielder has been identified among the leading targets.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are prepared to rival Man United for Kone, despite suggestions their interest in advanced.
Man United have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder's situation, but sources say that is as far as their interest has gone, and Liverpool could pip them to a deal.
This comes as the Reds continue to assess a number of different midfield options, with Iraola determined to strengthen his squad after assessing his current players.
Could Liverpool make a move to sign Manu Kone?
Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Liverpool have cooled their interest in signing Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, as they want a different profile of player.
In that respect, Kone would tick a lot of boxes, with the midfielder a more defensive-minded option, as well as a cheaper target, that the Conference League winner.
The France international is now believed to feature highly on Liverpool's shortlist of midfielders, athough it remains to be seen whether they will test Roma's resolve.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Man United have brought in Tielemans and Santos, and they would like to bring in a third, more defensive midfielder.
"Kone fits the bill for them in that respect, he's had a very good World Cup for France when he's played for them as well.
"But there are a lot of clubs interested in signing him, and there has been talk that Liverpool could potentially make a move for him after watching him at the World Cup.
"We know they also want to improve their midfield options, and he is somebody who is very much on their radar as they aim to strengthen Andoni Iraola's squad.
"Roma would be reluctant sellers due to their finances. They would find it hard to turn down a big money offer for Kone. He still has three years left on his contract."
How do Roma feel about selling Kone this summer?
After Liverpool joined the race to sign Kone, alongside their rivals Man United and a number of top European clubs, much will depend on whether Roma are willing to sell.
The midfielder has been a key part of the Serie A side, with his displays earning him a place in France's World Cup squad, where he was able to impress more suitors.
Now, Football Insider can reveal that Roma are willing to entertain offers for Kone as a result of the growing interest and their difficult financial situation.
Despite being reluctant to see one of their best players leave the Stadio Olympico, the Serie A outfit may be resigned to his departure should clubs step up their interest.
Roma, like a number of Italian clubs, are struggling with financial concerns, and the money on show from Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Man United could force their hands.