Liverpool and Man Utd transfer target confirms 'next step' is to leave club after World Cup

A Liverpool and Manchester United transfer target has confirmed his desire to take the 'next step' and leave his current club after the World Cup.

United in particular have been busy so far this summer as they prepare for a return to Champions League football next season.

They have already agreed a deal to sign Brazil midfielder Ederson, while they are reportedly in talks over deals for Newcastle's Lewis Hall and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.

READ MORE: Man Utd open talks to sign forgotten England man as Michael Carrick's top target named

Liverpool have been more quiet ahead of the transfer window officially opening in the coming days, with their focus being on their managerial situation.

The Reds sacked Arne Slot earlier this month, and announced Andoni Iraola as his successor last Thursday.

Now the Spaniard is in post, Liverpool can focus more on bringing players into Anfield this summer.

One of their first ports of call could be to sign Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, who is one of the most promising young talents in French football.

The 24-year-old, who can play centrally and on the flanks, scored nine goals and provided nine assists in all competitions for Monaco this season.

Maghnes Akliouche has earned a call-up to France's World Cup squad (Image: Getty)

That form was enough to be named in France manager Didier Deschamps' final 26-man World Cup squad.

Akliouche couldn't help Monaco to qualify for Champions League football, however, as they finished down in seventh place in Ligue 1 and must settle for the Conference League next season instead.

That outcome looks set to cost former West Brom defender Sebastien Pocognoli his job as manager, with Atletico Madrid icon Filipe Luis lined up to replace him.

The French principality side will have to pay €25,000 in fines every time Luis manages a game, however, as he does not yet possess the required UEFA Pro Licence.

READ MORE: Former Chelsea player's new club could face over €1m fine after manager decision

'I know anything can happen' - Akliouche on Monaco transfer

One of the Brazilian's first tasks as Monaco manager, once he is unveiled, will be to resolve the future of Akliouche.

That's if the France midfielder's recent comments to national outlet Nice-Matin are anything to go by.

Speaking on the eve of the World Cup campaign getting underway on Wednesday, Akliouche gave a revealing answer when asked if his 'next step' would naturally be to leave Monaco once the World Cup is finished.

"Yes," he stated. "But frankly, I'm really focused on this World Cup.

"I know anything can happen, even during the tournament. It's a great opportunity for exposure, but I'm staying focused on the national team's objectives.

"I don't want to disrespect my club by talking about the transfer window now. There are other things to deal with."

The attacking midfielder will likely play second fiddle to France's other elite talents, such as Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele, once the World Cup gets underway, but opportunities could present themselves later in the tournament.

"It's already a source of pride just to be here," he explained.

"For me, it's also a source of pride to be able to make my family proud. To be able to play in the most prestigious competition with the French national team is a joy.

"We know that people expect a lot from this team. To have a great tournament, we need to stay humble while really trying to go as far as possible. This team is made up of a lot of top players from top clubs."