Three reasons why Liverpool have ended their interest in Khephren Thuram

Liverpool are no longer focusing on signing Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, according to journalist Ben Jacobs - and there are three reasons why they may have ended the pursuit.

The Reds have been linked with the France U21 international throughout the summer window, with reports claiming that they have contacted the representatives of the midfielder.

Meanwhile, his representative, Rafaela Pimenta, shared an image of herself inside Nice's headquarters last month, fuelling speculation that there may be discussions over a move for Thuram.

But that speculation has cooled in recent weeks, especially after Liverpool completed a move for Dominik Szoboszlai for a reported £60 million on Sunday.

And with Alexis Mac Allister also at the club, talkSPORT claim that the Reds are now preparing an opening offer for Romeo Lavia.

Jacobs has now claimed on Twitter that Liverpool have ended their interest in signing Thuram for the time being - and there are three possible reasons why.

Romeo Lavia interest

Jacobs adds that Lavia is now the 'one to watch' in terms of a potential Liverpool incoming this summer.

The Southampton midfielder has Premier League experience, and starred in a side that dropped down to the Championship last season.

The Saints reportedly want £50 million to sell the young Belgian, and if that deal is completed, it may not leave enough funds to secure Thuram as well.

Szoboszlai's arrival

Speaking of major outlays, Szoboszlai's arrival at Anfield has taken a significant amount out of Liverpool's transfer budget.

However, that isn't a significant issue, with Jacobs claiming that the price for Thuram would not be a problem for the Reds - rather the direct arrival of the Hungarian changing their plans.

Home-grown rules

Under Premier League rules, clubs must register a minimum of eight homegrown players in their first team squad for the 2023/24 season.

Liverpool currently only have five registered homegrown players, but as per This is Anfield, eight more players are eligible to become homegrown this summer. However, a number of those players are unlikely to feature for Jurgen Klopp's side next season.

In Lavia's case, he would not be eligible to be classed as homegrown until he reaches the age of 21. However, he would not take up a non-homegrown spot, as players under the age of 21 do not need to registered in Premier League squad.