Liverpool could still be interested in Manu Kone amid contract confusion

Manu Kone could move clubs in January, amid conflicting reports about Liverpool's interest in the midfielder.

The 22-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach star was named as a transfer target during the summer as the Reds' underwent their rebuild.

However, an injury sustained while on duty with France at the Under-21 European Championship appeared to hamper Kone's chances of a move away from the Bundesliga side, while Liverpool signed midfield quartet Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Speculation that Kone could still be a Liverpool target in future windows has never really gone away, with some suggesting the Reds could still revive their interest in January or next summer if they continue to look for a more naturally defensive 'number six'.

The fact that Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke's son, Nils, works in a similar role at Gladbach has only helped fuel the rumours.

Meanwhile, Juventus, Newcastle and Bayern Munich have all been named as possible suitors for the player who has played just over 100 minutes of football in 2023/24 to date, having only recently returned to action from his injury.

This week, Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg claimed that Kone has seen his contract with Gladbach extended until 2026. However, despite this, the player will still be allowed to leave in January for between €40m (£34m) and €45m (£39m).

That said, Plettenberg adds that Kone is 'not a topic' for Liverpool currently.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano instead insists that the midfielder has not actually agreed a new deal.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the transfer reporter said: "Kone could also be one to watch in January as it’s not true that he’s signed a new contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, despite reports elsewhere.

"Kone’s current contract is valid until 2026, but he could leave in 2024. We’ll have to see what happens, though, because at the moment there are no contacts or negotiations ongoing with any other clubs, despite interest in him during the summer.

"Juventus and Liverpool were two clubs who considered him as an option but then did not call again after August. So we will see in 2024 what happens, but the player remains open to trying a new experience, while his asking price would likely be around €40m (to) €45m."

Finally, 90min report that Liverpool are still interested in Kone – though they concede he is not a priority target.