Borussia Monchengladbach coach provides injury update on Liverpool target Manu Kone

Borussia Monchengladbach manager Gerardo Seoane has revealed that Manu Kone will miss up to six weeks of action after picking up a knee injury while representing France at the Under-21 Euros.

The young midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool earlier in the transfer window, but his injury setback may have put any potential move on the back burner, with his recovery eating into pre-season. Speaking to DPA, as cited by Bulinews.com, Seoane revealed that the 22-year-old would face a spell on the sidelines but also confirmed that his knee injury isn't as severe as they first feared.

"The important thing is that it's not a serious injury. It will take about six weeks," he is quoted as saying.

Kone has featured 60 times in all competitions for Gladbach since joining the club in 2021 and would command a fee of €35-40m (£30-35m) this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. Liverpool's interest was well documented, but Jurgen Klopp and co now appear to be looking elsewhere this summer as they look to add another midfielder to their ranks.

The Reds have already snapped up Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively and have been linked with moves for Khephren Thuram and Romeo Lavia, with the latter, in particular, emerging as a top target in recent weeks. However, a £50m price tag set by Southampton may yet force Liverpool to look elsewhere for a new 'number six'.

Kone undoubtedly ticked many boxes for Liverpool before his injury and would be a cheaper option than Lavia. However, due to his six-week layoff, he's set to miss the entirety of pre-season, so we can confidently file this in the 'not happening' column, at least for now.

The Frenchman is clearly a highly rated talent and has reportedly been courted by Bayern Munich and Newcastle, as well as Liverpool.