Report: Liverpool mulling over late swoop for £30m ‘diamond’ likened to Yves Bissouma

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Liverpool have reportedly shortlisted Borussia Monchengladbach’s Kouadio Kone as a potential late signing this summer.

Jurgen Klopp admitted that Liverpool are keeping their eyes open for a new midfielder ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

“Are we after a midfielder? Ish,” he told reporters at Tuesday’s press conference ahead of the Newcastle United fixture.

“The closer we get to last minute… the more likely [we don’t sign one].

“I couldn’t [give you a name]. It’s difficult because for sure there a few who are right.

“But there are different issues, at clubs who don’t want to sell, that’s how it is.”

Also on Tuesday, Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy looked at Liverpool’s midfield issues.

‘It is not that the club’s recruitment team haven’t been searching for long-term remedies,’ she wrote.

‘Just the pool of players considered the ‘right fit’ for a side wanting to compete for domestic and European honours is shallow.

‘Liverpool are in a situation, given their lack of fit options and receding days before deadline, where they have to consider whether it is worth plumping for an option that is near enough being correct for them rather than nailed on.

‘In this sphere is Manu Kone, Moises Caicedo, and to a lesser extent, Konrad Laimer.’

Liverpool target Kone – factfile

Kone is an incredibly talented young midfielder who looks set for a big career in the game.

The 21-year-old joined Gladbach in January 2021 from Toulouse, but saw the season out in France.

Kone then moved to his new club that summer, and has clocked up 33 appearances, three goals and one assist.

The £30million-rated talent has also won three caps for France’s Under-21s.

Scouting website Breaking the Lines wrote a comprehensive report on Kone in June, in which they sung his praises.

‘Kone has been one of the most impressive players in the Bundesliga this season, showcasing his versatility, athleticism, and technical ability’, they wrote.

‘Standing at 6’1”, Kone is an imposing figure in midfield, but he also possesses great speed and agility.

‘This allows him to cover a lot of ground on the pitch and make an impact both defensively and offensively.

‘In addition, Kone is a very good passer of the ball and has an excellent work ethic.

‘These qualities have helped him quickly establish himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Bundesliga.

‘It will be interesting to see how he develops, but there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him.’

Further down in the article, they compared Kone’s style of play to that of Yves Bissouma and even suggested Manchester United should’ve moved for him.

‘If the sought-after youngster was to be likened to a current Premier League midfielder, it would be Yves Bissouma (formerly) of Brighton,’ they added.

‘The two are similar in many aspects of their game, while Bissouma is slightly more effective in the defensive department, Kone’s dribbling skills are highlighted.

‘It could be argued that Manchester United should seriously consider signing him as opposed to spending a fortune on Frenkie De Jong as the current speculation suggests.’