Liverpool are one of the clubs in a battle for Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie, his agent George Atangana has claimed.
The Ivorian powerhouse is only 20-years-old but his performances in Serie A this term have seen a £26m price-tag put on his head.
He enjoys the box-to-box role where his physical traits are maximised and this season he’s notched six goals and registered three assists in the top flight.
However, competition for his services is huge, but Liverpool’s selling point is Jurgen Klopp – a manager with a terrific record of developing talented youngsters.
“Franck is close to many clubs and close to none,” agent George Atangana told Rai Sport, translated in the Metro.
“I must admit that Roma have the advantage for Kessie, but we haven’t closed a deal yet because there are other top clubs interested who continue calling me.
“There are very few clubs who can afford him, though. I can confirm he’s a good lad, honest and humble. He was brought up well.
“I can’t say how much he is worth, because that is down to Atalanta. I can only say he is a complete player and everywhere you put him, he can do that role.
“There are many overseas clubs interested in him. Manchester City, where his friend Yaya Toure plays in the same role. Liverpool, where their manager Jurgen Klopp knows how to help young players develop.
“Then there’s Arsenal, whose manager is very close to French-speaking players. I have to say they are not the only Premier League clubs who are after him, as there are many more too.”
Our current injury crisis shows we obviously need enforcements centrally. We’ve been linked to Red Bull Leipzig’s Naby Keita as well, who fulfils a similar job in Germany, so it’s clear we’re after an all-action midfielder who can provide us energy and dynamism.
Of the two, Keita has probably impressed most, but will be very difficult to obtain. Kessie would be an interesting alternative.