There is growing anticipation that Liverpool will move to make Khephren Thuram their next summer signing - as French media report a an official bid is imminent.
All has gone quiet on the Liverpool transfer front since the announcement of Alexis Mac Allister's signing from Brighton & Hove Albion. However, there may well be good reason for this.
OGC Nice midfielder Thuram is currently on international duty with France at the European Under-21 Championship - along with fellow Reds transfer target Manu Kone. And according to the French city's local media outlet, Nice-Matin (via Get French Football News), Liverpool are waiting until the tournament is over before making a bid for the 22-year-old, 6ft 4in powerhouse.
The report adds that Nice "won’t sanction the departure of Thuram for a transfer fee lower than €40m" (£34m) and that the Reds have shelved their interest in his team-mate Jean-Clair Todibo, in order to sign a younger back-up centre-back than the 23-year-old.
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The ECHO has previously reported that Thuram is high on the club's shortlist. And days ago the man himself was caught by Reds supporters liking an Instagram post that praised Trent Alexander-Arnold's recent contributions for England. Meanwhile, his countryman and current Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has spoken about the potential signing.
"I would be very happy for [Thuram] to come to Liverpool and I would take him under my wing," Konate told RMC Sport. "I would do everything for him to progress and become the player he wants to become," and later described the midfielder as his "little brother".
To put a timeframe on proceedings, the European Under-21 Championship kicks-off tonight (Wednesday, June 21) in Georgia and Romania, with the group stage to be completed by June 28.
France's talented squad are expected to go deep into the tournament, and should they reach the final, that would keep Thuram involved until July 8.
