"World-class" striker sends Instagram message to Konate as Liverpool consider bid

Liverpool target Marcus Thuram has sent a message of support to Reds defender Ibrahima Konate as he continues to be linked with a January move to Anfield.

Thuram, the son of former France international Lilian Thuram, is out of contract with Borussia Monchengladbach next summer and is reportedly attracting interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal.

The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions this season, form which earned him a late call-up to France's 26-man squad for the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

He came on as a second-half substitute on Tuesday night as the defending champions began their campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Australia.

Olivier Giroud scored twice to move level with Thierry Henry as France's all-time top goalscorer, with 51 goals.

Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe also scored for Didier Deschamps' side.

Thuram sends Konate message

Liverpool defender Konate played the full match at centre-back alongside Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano.

After the match, Konate posted a picture of himself playing in the match to social media, alongside the caption: "First one was a success! France +3."

One of those to respond to Konate was his France teammate Thuram, who was described as "world-class" by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer earlier this year.

Thuram replied with a heart-in-eyes emoji, fuelling speculation he is keen on a move to Anfield, either in January or when his Monchengladbach contract expires in the summer.

Monchengladbach are prepared to sell

90min claim that Monchengladbach are prepared to sell Thuram in January rather than risking him leaving on a free in the summer.

Last year, they opted to sell Dennis Zakaria to Juventus in similar circumstances, with the midfielder nearing the end of his deal with the German club.

Speaking about the January transfer window in general, Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus suggested there could be squad changes in January.

"There may be changes in winter, but it may also be the case that there aren't any," he said.

"Of course we're in talks with the players. I can't tell you right now whether these players will still play here after the winter or in the coming season.”