Recent reports have linked Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram with a move to Anfield, but who is the 6ft 4in powerhouse that has Liverpool fans talking?
Who is Khephren Thuram?
Thuram was born on the March 26 2001 in Italy, making his professional debut for Monaco at the age of just 17.
In June 2019, Thuram joined local rivals Nice, where he has not looked back since.
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The 22-year-old was later called up to the France senior national team in 2023 for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
He comes from a family of footballers, with his father the former France international Lilian Thuram. While he is the younger brother of Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram.
How has he played this season?
Thuram has enjoyed a breakout season at Nice, becoming a key figure of Didier Digard's midfield.
He has made 35 appearances in Ligue 1 this term, missing just two league matches all campaign.
While he has chipped in with two goals and four assists from midfield, helping his side to a ninth-place finish in the table.
What's been said about him?
Journalist Neil Jones has raved about Thuram's attributes, revealing that he would suit Liverpool's style down to a tee.
"At 22 and having shone in Ligue 1 for Nice, Thuram looks primed, like his brother Marcus, for a transfer this summer," Jones told The Redmen TV YouTube channel last month.
“And while Liverpool sources have played down suggestions that a move to Anfield is in the offing, there is definitely interest on the Reds’ part. Understandably so, too.
"Thuram’s age and skillset make him a more than interesting proposition, and for a side which has lacked bite and energy for large parts of this season, it could be one that is hard to resist," he added.
Why might Liverpool be interested?
Jurgen Klopp has endured a tumultuous season in Merseyside, and fingers have been pointed in the direction of his midfield.
While several injuries have plagued the squad, the likes of Fabinho has struggled to hit the heights of seasons gone by.
And the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian and Arthur Melo has left Klopp in dire need of rejuvenation, with Thuram seeming to fit the bill.
What's the latest?
French news publication L'Equipe have claimed that Liverpool have 'held meetings' with Thuram's entourage over a possible deal, with the Reds 'pushing' to sign the Frenchman.
The report adds that the Merseyside outfit have made moves ‘more concretely’ than others, and, unbeknown to many, have been in talks ‘for a few weeks’.
Nice are said to value the France international at around €60 million. However, the French club 'aren't ready to sell' their prized asset this summer, meaning any potential negotiations could prove tricky.
Topics: Liverpool, Nice, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League, Ligue 1, Football
Joe Adams