Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp eyeing £36m Nice star Jean-Michael Seri as Philippe Coutinho replacement
Reds have given up on RB Leipzig ace Naby Keita for now and instead hope to bring Ivorian midfielder Seri to Anfield
LIVERPOOL are reportedly keen on Jean Michael Seri as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho.
The Nice star established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe last season.
Nice came third in Ligue 1 and the Ivorian player won rave reviews.
He has been linked with some huge clubs this summer including PSG, Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham.
According to The Guardian, Liverpool - destined to lose Coutinho to Barcelona in a deal that could be as much as £109million - see Seri as a possible replacement for the Brazilian.
Arsenal were poised to launch a bid for him last month, while Tottenham have been long-time admirers, too.
Serie A giants Roma have also expressed interest in Seri but are said to be unwilling to meet his asking price – the Ivorian has a release clause of £36m.
The 25-year-old has also been scouted by Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, who sent scouts to watch him in action in Friday’s home defeat against Troyes.
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Undeterred, Liverpool officials are understood to have made contact with Nice in recent days to enquire over his availability.
Despite offering £66m to RB Leipzig last month, they have been frustrated in their attempts to sign Guinea international Naby Keita.
They accept that a deal for the 22-year-old is more likely to be achieved next summer, when a clause in his contract stipulates he can leave for £50m.
Coutinho, meanwhile, was spotted driving home from training today as his team-mates flew off to Germany for their Champions League tie with Hoffenheim.
This can but only fuel speculation he will leave Anfield this summer.
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The Brazil forward reportedly submitted a transfer request last week after Liverpool ruled out any potential move.
Klopp’s Reds have already turned down offers of £72m and £90m this summer, with the club now bracing themselves for a reported £109m bid.
