Liverpool transfers: Next signing named with £55m target ‘seduced’ – but Euro giants to beat Klopp to third deal
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool have a growing confidence they will soon secure the signing of Khephren Thuram, despite officials at Anfield denying an agreement is already in place.
The Nice midfielder is emerging as a top target for Jurgen Klopp, as he looks to freshen up his midfield. They are three bodies light in the engine room with Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing as free agents. The trio join Arthur Melo – who never made an impact anyway during his time on loan – in departing Anfield.
However, Liverpool have quickly kicked off their summer transfer business having sealed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister. Now there is a growing hope that Thuram will soon follow, with the 22-year-old star a prime target.
The defensive midfielder has just completed an excellent season with the Ligue 1 side, grabbing two goals and eight assits from 48 appearances.
Now with Jurgen Klopp honing in on his signing, reports earlier this week claimed the Reds have already agreed personal terms with Thuram.
Furthermore, it has since been claimed that, with Nice demanding a fee of around £55m (€65m), Liverpool had struck an agreement with Nice. That, however, has since been denied by the Merseysiders.
However, reports on both sides of the Channel believe the deal will soon go through. And L’Equipe claims ‘Liverpool have made the signing of Nice’s Thuram a priority objective’.
Furthermore, they claim contacts between the two clubs has ‘multiplied in recent weeks’ with Thuram ‘seduced’ by the notion of a move to Anfield.
West Ham have since been linked with Thuram as they chase a replacement for Declan Rice. However, it’s reported a move to Anfield is a growing possibility for the France international.
READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate gives full backing to Liverpool in Khephren Thuram pursuit
Liverpool to sign Thuram but face Gabri Veiga rejection
Liverpool are unlikely to stop there once the signing of Thuram has been finalised. And Klopp is reportedly in the mix for a third midfield signing in the form of Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga.
The 21-year-old has made serious waves over the past 12 months, scoring 11 times and adding four assists from 36 LaLiga appearances. That form has alerted Liverpool to his potential signature, with Fabrizio Romano confirming Veiga is on Liverpool’s transfer shortlist.
And with a release clause in his contract for just €40m (£34m), it is easy to see why Veiga is a man in demand.
Of course, Liverpool are not the only ones keen on with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle, Real Madrid and Barcelona also reportedly on his trail.
However, reports in Spain now claim Napoli ‘have joined the race’ to sign Veiga. And they are ‘challenging the big teams in the Premier League’ for his signing.
They state the player’s fate has become ‘a mystery’. However, it’s claimed the Serie A champions are ‘willing to play all their cards’ to sign Veiga.
Napoli may not be able to compete with their rivals when it comes to finances. However, a promise of playing more regular football in one of Europe’s best sides right now will reportedly tip the scales in their favour.
Veiga giving little away amid Liverpool links
Veiga, though, has taken a diplomatic view on his future when questioned earlier this week.
“I don’t think about my future, I want to live in the present and the national team,” Veiga said.
“What I want for my future is to be in the European Championship. There is the final [to reach], and then to win it. I am here in the national team, in a very nice challenge.”
However, if the latest reports are accurate, then it seems a move to Napoli looks the most likely outcome.
