The reason why Liverpool pulled plug on Khephren Thuram transfer

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool walked away from a deal for Khephren Thuram as the overall package was deemed to be 'too expensive' for the club.

The Nice midfielder was heavily touted with a move to Anfield earlier this summer, but those links have died down in recent weeks, with the French Under-21 international now expected to stay put at the Ligue 1 club.

Speaking to the Born And Red YouTube channel, Romano claimed Liverpool were priced out of a move for the midfielder, who was also linked with a move to Newcastle United, but didn't rule out the Reds changing their minds before deadline day.

He said: "As I always said, the package was considered too expensive by Liverpool. It wasn't just in terms of the transfer fee, but also his salary. Many things concerned Liverpool when they had discussions for Thuram, but let's see if they decide to change their mind on the player."

Thuram's compatriot Manu Kone, who currently plies his trade for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga, was also believed to be a target for Liverpool earlier this summer, but Romano also insisted he is 'no longer a priority' for the Reds as they continue to revamp their midfield.

Jurgen Klopp's side are in desperate need of reinforcements after losing six senior midfielders at the end of last season. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have already joined the club, but with the Premier League season set to kick off next week, Liverpool need more bodies in the centre of the park.

The Reds remain locked in talks to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia despite having two bids rejected, with the Saints standing firm on their £50m valuation of the former Manchester City man.

Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch and Fluminese's Andre have also been linked with the club, while Anfield Watch reported exclusively last week that Liverpool are also interested in Leicester's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.