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Liverpool 'schedule talks with next two targets' after signing Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool have unveiled Alexis Mac Allister as their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Liverpool are reportedly set to hold fresh talks with the representatives of Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram after finalising the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. The Reds have wasted no time at all to move for the Argentine World Cup winner, who arrived for a cut-price £35million fee due to a clause written into his deal at the Amex Stadium.
Yet further midfield recruits are now on the agenda and it appears Jurgen Klopp is set to finalise his transfer shortlist as he prepares to replace the departing James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a new round of talks have now been scheduled with the highly-rated French duo, who were recently spotted hanging out together in Paris.
Transfer expert Romano tweeted: "Liverpool have scheduled round of talks with Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram agents. No bid submitted yet but both players remain on the list.
"Reds will plan for next signing in the midfield after Mac Allister deal now finally completed."
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Liverpool have already opened dialogue with the agents of both players, who are now firmly part of Klopp's thinking ahead of his midfield overhaul at Anfield.
Interestingly, the son of Liverpool's new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke - Nils Schmadtke - has just been appointed as Borussia Monchengladbach's new director.
It could potentially help Liverpool's cause should they wish to enter negotiations with their Bundesliga counterparts.
Kone is also admired by Chelsea and could be available for around the £30million mark.
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Meanwhile, Thuram's stock is high after recently being named in Ligue 1's Team of the Year for his performances with Nice.
The majestic young talent managed two goals and four assists in 35 matches in the French top-flight this season but was a mainstay for Sir Jim Ratcliffe's side.
Thuram is a defensive midfielder who also has the dribbling ability to push his side up the field.
Liverpool are looking for cover and competition for Fabinho while they also want to sign a No 8 to bolster their current options in the middle of the park.
A host of other midfielders have also been linked with the Reds including Brighton's Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuador international is likely to cost upwards of £80m this summer if Liverpool wish to enter the running.
Arsenal and Chelsea are also firmly interested in the 21-year-old and both bid for the box-to-box maestro in the January window.
Ideally, Liverpool would also like to sign another central defender and possibly a right-back as cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold.