Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate publicly comments on Khephren Thuram interest amid transfer speculation

Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has said he would be 'very happy' if Khephren Thuram joined the club from Nice this summer.

According to Sky Sports, the Reds have opened preliminary talks with the French international as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his midfield options for next season. L'Equipe say Nice value the player at £51.4 million (via Liverpool Echo).

Liverpool have already completed one transfer, with Alexis Mac Allister joining the club from fellow Premier League side Brighton.

The 24-year-old Argentinian World Cup winner has taken the number 10 shirt at Anfield - an indication of the role he will play in Klopp's side moving forward.

But while Mac Allister can be expected to feature in more advanced areas, Liverpool are still eyeing midfielders that can contribute in other ways.

And that is exactly what Thuram could bring to the club. The son of former France right-back Lilian, the 6ft 4in midfielder likes to dribble with the ball from deep areas and also has a wide passing range.

• Who is Khephren Thuram? All you need to know about Liverpool's latest transfer target

At 22 years of age, he is a player for the present and the future - and one of his international team-mates is excited about the prospect of him moving to Anfield this summer.

Konate on Thuram transfer

Thuram has made just one appearance for the France senior team so far, but has represented his nation at every youth level up to the U21s.

He has been named in France's squad for the upcoming U21 European Championships, alongside fellow Liverpool target Manu Kone.

A fellow France youth international, Konate has represented the senior team on nine occasions, and has been named in the main swuad for upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece.

In an interview with RMC Sport ahead of those fixtures, the Liverpool centre-back was asked about the prospect of Thuram potentially joining him in Merseyside.

He replied: "I would be very happy if he came to Liverpool.

"I would take him under my wing and I would do everything to make him progress and become the player he wants to be."

Konate, therefore, has given Liverpool the seal of approval to sign Thuram - and it is now up to the Reds to seal the signing.