Transfer Talk: Liverpool hope to scoop midfield ace Kone

Manu Kone is the latest midfielder to be linked with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool rebuild this summer.

The Frenchman has impressed for Borussia Monchengladbach in his two seasons at the German outfit, making 60 appearances and attracting interest from some of the top clubs in Europe.

Liverpool appear to be watching him most closely. Klopp has already signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and is looking for at least one more midfielder as he seeks to replace the departing Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner.

With a potential move in the offing, we take a look at why Kone is on his shortlist.

Paris alumni

Kone joins an illustrious list of Paris-born footballers at the top of the game.

N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe are among the city's alumni and the midfielder has the potential to match their pedigree.

Having left Paris FC in 2015, the 22-year-old graduated through the Toulouse academy, ultimately playing 59 times for their first team before leaving for Monchengladbach.

He is due to feature for France at the European Under-21 Championship this summer.

Versatile midfielder

But it is in Germany that Kone has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the European game.

The highly-rated talent played the third-most minutes in the Monchengladbach squad last season, making an impression in all phases of play.

Kone is very versatile, comfortable in and out of possession and playing in deeper or more advanced roles.

He predominantly played as an orthodox central midfielder last season, where his dribbling skills in particular came to the fore.

Data darling

There is no greater compliment to Kone's ball-carrying ability than the fact that only Real Madrid-bound Jude Bellingham completed more take-ons of all Bundesliga central midfielders last season.

The seven-cap Under-21s international was also fouled more often per 90 minutes than any player in the league.

He is comfortable passing the ball, too, finding his team-mates the seventh-most often of all positional rivals in the division.

Considering that he also ranked in the top 10 for possessions won in each of the three thirds of the pitch, a picture of a superb all-round midfielder begins to be painted.

Friend of Trent

Klopp prioritises off-the-ball work in his midfielders, so it is no surprise that Kone is on his radar.

The starlet's ability to play in a few different midfield positions suits Liverpool, for whom Mac Allister can do the same.

And with Trent Alexander-Arnold moving into the centre of the pitch more often, the need for a player with the legs to cover at right-back is considerable.

In Kone, the Reds could sign the man to support Alexander-Arnold in that position for years to come.