Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Marseille winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou and will fight it out with West Ham United and Manchester United.
The 21-year-old had a significant impact at Marseille last season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions in his first year with the club.
Given that he joined in a deal worth just £1m, it was certainly an impressive return on that investment but naturally his form has led to interest from around Europe.
According to The Guardian, West Ham are preparing a bid for the youngster, although both Liverpool and United have been monitoring N’Koudou this season and are likely to rival their offer.
It is claimed that the Hammers will open the bidding at £10m, and it now remains to be seen whether or not that’s enough to test the resolve of the French outfit who were put up for sale in April which in turn could have an impact on their decisions in the transfer market.
Although there is no suggestion that either United or Liverpool are ready to make an official bid imminently, reports of their interest will be a blow to Slaven Bilic if the West Ham boss has genuine hopes of signing N’Koudou this summer.
Despite the impressive nature of their season this past year, where they were able to finish in seventh place in the Premier League ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium next season, it will be difficult for the London club to compete with their more illustrious rivals.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has been active early on in the summer transfer market, and is seemingly wasting little time in identifying more players that will improve his squad ahead of next season.
The German tactician has already signed Joel Matip, Marko Grujic and Loris Karius, and with more new faces expected at Anfield in the coming months, it promises to be an exciting summer for the club’s supporters who will have full faith in Klopp’s ability to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.