Liverpool are in the driver’s seat in the pursuit of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, who is also courted by Manchester United.
According to Transfer Market Web, Liverpool are in pole position to secure the services of Franck Kessie. The AC Milan midfielder is one of the hottest midfielder prospects in the market as his current contract expires at the end of the season, essentially making him available for a potential pre-contract agreement in the January transfer window.
Kessie has been courted by multiple clubs across Europe including Manchester United and FC Barcelona. But it appears Liverpool have taken the lead in the pursuit, having closely followed the Ivorian over the past couple of years.
Formerly of Atalanta, Kessie has indeed enjoyed a swift rise to prominence under the leadership of Stefano Pioli. Although a holding midfielder by trade, the 24-year-old has transformed himself into a more productive enforcer who can not only offer work rate and aggression but also become the driving force in the final third.
Last season, for one, the Ivorian scored 13 goals while registering six assists, thus helping Milan secure a second-placed finish in Serie A. It has put Liverpool on alert, as the Premier League giants have been actively scouring the market for a new midfielder.
One of the potential candidates is Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund. In fact, Liverpool are even reportedly leading the chase for the young Englishman, who is regarded as one of the most talented young footballers in Europe.
However, the 18-year-old is unlikely to move away from Dortmund anytime soon. As such, Liverpool are now set to prioritise a move for Kessie, who offers more experience to the table and could potentially be available for a cut-price deal in January or even for free in the summer.
The Reds have been recently linked with a direct swap deal involving Kessie and Thiago Alcantara. But the more practical solution is for Liverpool to pay a certain fee to wrap up the Ivorian international in the summer.
It could be a massive blow for Manchester United, though, as they are also actively looking for a new midfielder. The Red Devils have no shortage of alternatives, but they have been recently slapped with a €70 million price tag for Kalvin Phillips while the club is also expected to relinquish interest in Declan Rice.
