Empire of the Kop today released an exclusive interview with SportBild writer Tobi Altschaffl focusing on the Reds’ interest in Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.

It’s an interesting article for fans of any club, as the German insider has a nice summary of Kone’s increasingly popular game.

Chelsea are mentioned by him as a possible destination, although he maintains that “Liverpool are number one” in the race for the terrifying box-to-box man.

Chelsea’s interest is in line with what we know about Chelsea’s plans for the summer – to sign a central midfielder to complement Enzo Fernandez.

The main target at the moment appears to be Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte, but there are also plenty of alternatives on the list, such as Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

It seems Kone is more of a diamond in the rough than some of the alternatives, but he’s had an impressive season at BMG and it looks like the top teams won’t wait to see how he develops.

There are some concerns about his mentality and Altschaffl’s consistency, but he is confident a move to a top team will help.

Liverpool are favourites, but if they struggle to agree and Ugarte goes to PSG, expect Chelsea to put pressure on the Reds there.

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Transfer rumors from Liverpool: Reds ‘start discussions’ with midfield pair amid $64 million valuation

Liverpool transfer news: This summer, conversations are apparently underway with two potential midfielders, one of whom is a surpisingly well-known name from the Premier League.

Liverpool is expecting a busy summer as the team aims to make up for their weak transfer season.

The pressure is now on FSG and Jürgen Klopp to make the necessary new signings in order to address the issues that have emerged over the past 12 months after failing to reach the heights of recent seasons by failing to finish in the top four of the Premier League and going the entire season without winning a trophy.

In order to accomplish this, Jörg Schmadtke has been named the club’s new sporting director. The German will succeed Julian Ward, who is leaving the position. Schmadtke will be charged with bringing in a number of new players to spruce up Klopp’s team, with midfield being an obvious priority.

Among those who might be targeted are a young French star who is developing a reputation for himself in Ligue 1, as well as a surprise choice who Liverpool supporters will be quite familiar with after having a standout season in the Premier League.

(Newcastle United) Bruno Guimares

According to GOAL, negotiations for Bruno Guimares’ signing have already begun between Liverpool and Barcelona.

The Brazilian has been one of Newcastle’s standout players as Eddie Howe’s team successfully qualified for the Champions League for the upcoming campaign by finishing fourth ahead of the Reds. Nevertheless, if reports are to be accepted, Liverpool may now be interested in signing their midfield talisman.

Newcastle is putting together a new deal that would make Guimaraes one of the top five highest-paid players in the Premier League, but GOAL claims that both the Reds and Barcelona have started talking about a possible trade for the midfielder.

As exciting as this deal would be, you can’t help but feel like it would be a total bust, according to Liverpool.com. Given their current position of power, Newcastle would most likely not allow their best player leave for very little money.

The possibility exists that any discussions with Liverpool are only a negotiating tactic to raise the compensation for Guimaraes’ new contract. Newcastle no longer has a cash crunch, therefore they’ll have no trouble granting the Brazilian’s requests.

Khéphren Thuram (OGC Nice)

Khéphren Thuram, a midfielder for OGC Nice, is a target for Liverpool this summer, according to the French publication L’Équipe.

Thuram has distinguished himself as one of France’s most promising young players, earning a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year after a breakthrough campaign with Nice.

Despite Nice’s reluctance to sell, L’Équipe reports that Liverpool has been in contact with the French club for weeks and has begun negotiations. An estimated $64 million (£52 million/€60 million) value has been placed on Thuram.

According to Liverpool.com, it’s critical for the Reds to keep their options open at this point given their need for fresh midfielders this summer. Thuram certainly seems to be a player on the rise.

During the approaching international break, Jürgen Klopp could be able to get a better look at him, although at 22, Thuram is probably more of a player for the long term, whilst Liverpool could use players who are nearing or have already reached their peak.