Liverpool have been in contact to sign AS Roma’s Manu Kone, with the midfielder known to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
The interest comes amid criticism of Andoni Iraola‘s current midfield options, who struggled in the drab 0-0 draw against Fulham on Saturday.
A lack of creativity was part of the problem, with the Reds recording an xG of 1.28, and they gifted Alvaro Arbeloa his first point since taking over as Fulham manager.
In truth, it hasn’t been the greatest of starts to the season, with Iraola winning just one of his opening four Premier League matches, whereas Kone has been a key component of a Roma side that have won their first three games.
The Frenchman has started every match, and he has averaged 6.9 recoveries per 90 in the Serie A, the third-highest number in the Roma squad.
In his most recent league outing, the 25-year-old put in a solid performance in a 2-1 victory against Atalanta, and particularly impressed with his passing.
|
Manu Kone’s stats vs Atalanta |
Number completed |
|
Accurate passes |
57/65 (88%) |
|
Key passes |
2 |
|
Ground duels (won) |
4 (3) |
|
Interceptions |
2 |
|
Tackles won |
2 |
Moreover, Como scout Ben Mattinson lauded the France international not long after he completed a move to Roma, saying: “Manu Koné for only €18m was one of the deals of the summer. So composed and press resistant, tempo setter with game-breaking ball carrying.”
On the other hand, Jamie Carragher has been very critical of his former side’s current midfielders, saying: “I don’t believe that midfield can function with the personnel in there. For me, it doesn’t work. And it’s not just about personnel, it’s the structure the manager is asking.”
Liverpool make approach to sign Manu Kone
According to a report from TuttoMercatoWeb, Liverpool have now made contact to sign Kone, who was valued at £50m during the summer, at which point it was revealed he is keen on testing himself in the Premier League.
However, there may be competition for his signature, as Chelsea remain determined to sign the former Borussia Monchengladbach man, after making an offer in the summer transfer window.
The Serie A side are reluctant to sanction a departure at this stage though, considering the central midfielder is one of their most important players, so it may take a big offer to get a deal over the line.
Kone isn’t the only option on the shortlist though, with it recently emerging they are also considering Inter Milan star Aleksandar Stankovic, AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara.