Liverpool and Man Utd given Boubakary Soumare transfer boost as Newcastle snub explained
Liverpool and Manchester United have both been handed a major boost in their transfer pursuit of Lille star Boubakary Soumare, after it emerged the midfielder rejected a January move to Newcastle United in hope of a future move to work with either Jurgen Klopp or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Man Utd target Boubakary Soumare scores unreal goal for Lille
Liverpool and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for Lille youngster Boubakary Soumare. Newcastle United failed in a £40million bid for the midfielder last month, but it has now been revealed that Soumare is waiting for the chance to leave Ligue 1 for either Anfield or Old Trafford.
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Liverpool entered the race to sign the France Under-21 star toward the end of the January transfer window.
The Reds had already signed Takumi Minamino and youngster Joe Hardy before Klopp turned his attention to Soumare.
But, their interest came after Soumare already made it clear that he wanted to stay at Lille until at least the summer.
“I do not see myself leaving. I feel good here,” Soumare told L’Equipe.
Liverpool and Man Utd transfer news: Soumare was linked with a number of players this month (Image: GETTY Images)
Soumare was also asked about a potential move to Real Madrid. But, the midfielder quickly revealed he wouldn’t be lured by the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid is the highest level," Soumare said. “But I don’t know if I will need to take a middle step, quite simply because I am not looking to leave right now. I am focused on Lille and the France Under-21s.”
Soumare is predominantly a defensive midfielder for Lille, although he has been used in a more advanced position.
He’s made 18 league appearances for the club this season, while also featuring in all six Champions League fixtures.