Former Liverpool transfer target could be available for bargain fee but Arne Slot priority clear

Khéphren Thuram could be available for a bargain fee this summer, 12 months on from being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

The 23-year-old was consistently linked with a transfer to Anfield last year (in multiple outlets including Football Insider) as the Reds underwent their rebuild in midfield. Nothing would come of the speculation though, with Thuram staying put with French side Nice.

Liverpool though could be back in the market for a midfielder as Arne Slot arrives as manager this summer. With Thiago Alcântara looking likely to leave the club as his contract expires, there will be room for the Reds to bring someone in to replace the Spaniard.

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What’s more, recent weeks have shown there are still improvements to be made in the engine room as Liverpool’s quadruple hopes have fallen apart. Thuram could therefore find himself being linked with a move to Merseyside once again.

And should new sporting director Richard Hughes be tasked with pursuing a deal for the midfielder, he could well pick him up for a bargain fee. According to French publication Nice-Matin, Thuram could be sold for between $16.2m (£12.9m/€15m) and $21.6m (£17.2m/€20m).

With just one year remaining on his contract at Nice, the French club may be forced to cash in for a reduced fee rather than risk losing him for free next year. Thuram’s availability though does come with a warning though.

The French international’s form is described as being ‘far from expectations’ this season, although he is also said to be finishing the campaign strongly. Nice looks set to miss out on a place in next season’s Champions League, sitting four points off the top four in Ligue 1, although it is assured of a spot in the Europa League.

There is another slight issue. Thuram is likely to be involved at the Olympics for France at the end of July, which would delay his arrival if he were signed by Liverpool.

Liverpool.com says: Thuram at that price would be very tempting, although is he really what Liverpool needs right now? Recent performances have shown there is definitely still room for a top quality number six in the Reds’ squad, not least because that would free up Alexis Mac Allister in his best position.

Thuram though has played more as a number eight for Nice. He is capable of playing the defensive midfield role, but Liverpool could do with an out-and-out option there. Thuram might be worth a look for that price just as another option in midfield, but there are more pressing matters for Slot during the transfer window.