Liverpool’s list of midfield targets seemingly grows by the day, but Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone remain at the forefront and gave plenty for fans to discuss on Thursday.
After Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott helped England achieve a 14-year first in their opening U21 Euros group game, it was time for Thuram and Kone to take centre stage.
The pair were picked for France’s squad and both named in the starting line-up as they played Italy in a game that ended in controversial circumstances.
France were 2-1 up with only moments left in the contest before Italy’s Raoul Bellanova saw his header cleared on the goalline, video evidence suggested the ball was past the line and a hand may have been involved in the clearance.
The referee waved play on and with no VAR or goal-line technology throughout the tournament, France retained their 2-1 win – but it was the performances of Thuram and Kone that caught the attention of Liverpool fans.
There are stronger links to Thuram, who could be available for £34.3 million, but it was Kone that outshone his team-mate on Thursday – though Liverpool fans got a clear message after seeing them in midfield together
Liverpool’s links to Kone have been mild in recent weeks, but it is clear what the supporters think when it comes to their wishes for the club this summer.
Both are 22 years of age and with a high ceiling, and while their profiles differ there is a keen desire to see the club act swiftly and see Alexis Mac Allister joined by more recruits.
We were given a glimpse at what they could offer at Anfield and with this only the first game of the tournament, we will see a lot more.
Question is, if Liverpool do decide to make a move will they wait until they complete their time at the U21 Euros? The sense among many fans is just that, but only time will tell.
