Liverpool 'expect to complete Khephren Thuram signing' as summer rebuild gathers pace

Liverpool are reportedly close to completing the signing of Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram as Jurgen Klopp's summer rebuild gathers pace.

Thuram, 22, is thought to be keen on a move to Anfield and could become Klopp's second signing of the summer, following Alexis Mac Allister's £35m move from Brighton earlier this month.

Thuram made 48 appearances across all competitions for the Ligue 1 side during the 2022/23 campaign, notching two goals and providing a further eight assists from midfield.

In turn, the Frenchman has caught the attention of the Reds, who are 'pushing hard to secure a full agreement' with the dynamic midfielder, claim Football Insider.

The report adds that Liverpool now 'expect to complete a deal for Thuram', who also 'wants the move'.

It comes after the midfielder's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, was spotted at Nice's headquarters earlier this month amid speculation over the player's future.

Newcastle United are also said to be keen on signing Thuram, with Eddie Howe eager to add a 'box office midfielder' to his ranks this summer, but Liverpool look to be in pole position for his signature.

How much will Thuram cost?

Thuram, who is currently away on international duty with France at the U21 European Championships, has two years remaining on his current contract at Nice, providing the club with some financial leverage in the transfer market.

Nice are said to value the France international at around €60m (£51.4m), but the French club will hope for a bidding war to emerge for their prized asset.

While Liverpool appear to be in a strong position to sign Thuram, journalist Neil Jones believes the lack of a release clause in the midfielder's contract could complicate matters ahead of the international transfer window opening on July 1.

“When we talk about delays to the deal, as I mentioned, I think it’s more a club-to-club thing and that will be what determines how quickly or if a deal gets done,” Jones told Empire of the Kop.

“It’s not a case like with Alexis Mac Allister where you know the price you’re going to pay and you know the other club doesn’t have much of a say in the matter.

“The Euros do obviously complicate matters when you’re dealing with medicals and things like that but I don’t envision any issues on the player’s side – it’s all on the club’s side.”