Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has described France teammate and rumoured Reds target Christopher Nkunku as the 'best player' in the Bundesliga this season.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from RB Leipzig this summer with Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and AC Milan among the clubs rumoured to be interested. He's scored 25 goals in all competitions for the German side this season, with 20 assists to his name.
Konate and Nkunku were teammates at Leipzig before the defender's £36 million move to Liverpool last summer. With Sadio Mane edging closer to the exit door, the France international is among the players tipped to replace him in the coming weeks and he's already got the backing of his former teammate.
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Konate told a press conference on Tuesday (via RMC Sport ): "No need to describe Nkunku, he is the best player in the Bundesliga this season. He wins a lot, he is good technically.
"I am close to him, to Guendouzi or to Diaby and Kamara at the Blues. In real life I am close from everyone."
French outlet L’Equipe reported last month that Leipzig could demand in the region of €100m (£86m) to part ways with the player given his incredible form last season. He certainly isn't short of potential suitors with a host of Europe's top clubs linked with a move.
Nkunku himself opened up on his future with the Bundesliga outfit while on international duty with France. "It’s no secret there are clubs that are interested in me," he told TeleFoot.
"Yes, it’s flattering. But it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig doing everything to keep me. Here, we will have to think carefully and make a good decision. The World Cup is coming to life and this is a parameter to be taken into account. Like I said, you just have to think it through."
