Liverpool suffer blow as transfer target leaves stadium on crutches after suffering knee injury - Reports

Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, suffered a knee injury while representing France’s U-21 side on Wednesday (June 28).

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are keen on signing the dynamic French midfielder this summer and have spoken to his agent. At the start of the month, Romano said on his YouTube channel (via Empire of the Kop):

“Liverpool had conversations with the agents of Manu Kone recently, so there was direct contact between Manu Kone’s camp and Liverpool. The expectation is for the price tag to be around €35m-€40m, so it could be €35m with some add-ons.”

Amid reports of a potential move to Merseyside, Kone took to the field as France took on Switzerland in the U-21 European Championship. Kone, though, did not last long, picking up a nasty-looking knee injury in the 18th minute and was replaced by Enzo Le Fee.

Jack Lusby, an assistant editor at This Is Anfield, spotted Kone leaving the stadium on crutches. The extent of Kone’s injury is yet to be determined. If his injury is serious, it could jeopardise his potential transfer to Anfield, as Jurgen Klopp’s side might not want to sign him before he fully recovers.

Meanwhile, the Anfield outfit has also been linked with Kone’s U21 teammate Khephren Thuram. If Kone’s deal collapses due to injury, the OGC Nice midfielder could become a no-brainer for the Premier League giants.

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Liverpool not contemplating world-record bid for Kylian Mbappe

Earlier this week, it was reported that Liverpool had joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe. It was reported that they were prepared to shell out a record €300 million (€250 million fixed + €50 million add-ons) to get him.

Renowned journalist Ben Jacobs, though, has refuted the reports, saying that Mbappe is not on the 19-time English champions’ radar. He says that those around the club are showing little interest in pursuing the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.

The PSG ace has reportedly been transfer listed after telling his club that he will not be extending his stay in Paris beyond 2024. Real Madrid have emerged as the frontrunners for the 24-year-old, hoping to seal a deal after failing to lure him away last summer.