'Liverpool star told Jurgen Klopp to sign me - now I might join Man Utd in a bargain deal'

Jurgen Klopp's former top Liverpool target Khephren Thuram could end up joining Manchester United in a bargain deal this summer.

United have reportedly expressed serious interest in signing Thuram, who could be available on the cheap. Sir Jim Ratcliffe had already been urged to snap up Nice's midfield maestro by two Old Trafford icon before the club became genuine contenders for his signature this week.

The Red Devils' midfield has been a source of constant worry this term, with Erik ten Hag grappling to strike the right chord in the engine room. Despite the emergence of young talent Kobbie Mainoo offering some solace amidst Casemiro's unexpected dip in form, Mason Mount's persistent injuries, and Sofyan Amrabat failing to justify his pre-season hype.

L'Equipe has thrown United's hat in the ring for Thuram, who is on the cusp of his contract's final stretch and could be snatched up for a modest £17-25m (€20m-30m). With Nice under the wing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos Group, United might just find themselves in an enviable bargaining position, a point not lost on former United defender Mikael Silvestre.

In a chat with BettingExpert.com, Silvestre revealed: "[Khephren] Thuram and [Jean-Clair] Todibo definitely have the level to play for Man Utd. And I'm sure they're on the radar and they will be scrutinised."

"They will probably be put forward because it will be an easy and sensible transition and will make sense for INEOS to get the best scouting reports on these two players specifically.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

"They're quality players. Both are French internationals. Todibo is having a very good season. Khephren Thuram, a little bit less this season compared to last but still a quality midfielder."

The recent dip in form has not deterred interest in Thuram, who despite being omitted from France's Euro 2024 squad, is still on the radar of top clubs like Juventus and AC Milan, as reported by L'Equipe. United, however, are also in the fray for the 23-year-old midfielder, whose abilities have caught the eye of former United forward Louis Saha.

Speaking to Betfred about the potential of Thuram and Lille's Jonathan David at United, Saha expressed his confidence: "Regarding Jonathan David and Khephren Thuram, I do believe they're ready."

Saha, who keeps a close watch on Thuram, further commented, "I follow Khephren as he plays next door to me and he has the power to play for any club in England, that's for sure and it wouldn't be a surprise to me at all if a move to England happens for him. If they move to the Premier League, both these players will need time to adapt but they're certainly good players."

Thuram was previously linked with a switch to England, potentially joining Liverpool's midfield ranks last summer. Although Liverpool went in another direction, their defender Ibrahima Konate, who shares a bond with Thuram, had nothing but praise for him, suggesting he would thrive under then-boss Klopp.

Konate told RMC Sport last year: "Khephren is like my little brother," and shared his admiration for Thuram's growth and progression. "He's someone I saw growing up. I was with his big brother [Marcus Thuram] in the [international youth set-up] but Khephren... I saw him grow. I saw him perform and progress to a [high] level. It was incredible.

"Even when he came to the France team for his first call-up, I saw him at the training and I was really surprised by his size and his technical ease. I would be very happy for him to come to Liverpool."