Liverpool target Manu Kone wore the club's kit to his first Paris FC trial as a youngster, his former coach has revealed.
The Reds have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old midfielder, who has impressed this season for Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Frenchman's ball progression is one of his major strengths, while he also tops the Monchengladbach statistics chart for tackles and fouls against, as per WhoScored.
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He became an important part of manager Daniel Farke's side in the most recent campaign, although the former Norwich boss was sacked at the season's end.
The Daily Mail claimed on Monday that Liverpool were hopeful of sealing a deal for Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister this week, although manager Jurgen Klopp is still keen on signing one of Kone, Nice's Khephren Thuram and Southampton's Romeo Lavia.
According to German outlet Bild, the Reds have already enquired about the potential signing of Kone, and were quoted a fee of between €40 and €45 million.
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Now, one of his former coaches has revealed the player's affection for Liverpool growing up.
Kone's former coach recalls Liverpool story
Kone began his professional career at French club Toulouse after successfully graduating through their youth academy. He went on to make 59 appearances for the club, scoring six goals, before moving to Monchengladbach in the summer of 2021.
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But his youth career also saw him have spells at local side Villeneuve-la-Garenne, Athletic Club de Boulogne-Billancourt and Paris FC.
And in an interview with Liverpool.com, former Paris FC academy coach Reda Bekhti explained how Kone progressed throughout his time in youth football - and how much he loved Liverpool.
He said: "The first time I saw Manu Kone play was during a trial game for the U11s at Paris FC's generation 2001.
"I remember he already had a strong technique and a lot of energy on the field to recover. So we signed him immediately and integrated him into out U11 group.
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"Manu was a very good player from the very beginning at Paris FC, and since then at ACBB in Clairefontaine, then in Toulouse and in the French team as well.
"It would be especially gratifying for Manu [to move to Liverpool]. I remember in his trial at Paris FC, he was dressed in a Liverpool kit. It's his favourite club."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / ANPTopics: Liverpool, Premier League, Bundesliga, Borussia Monchengladbach, Transfers