Manchester United and Liverpool could reportedly go head-to-head for the signature of Reims midfielder Amadou Kone this summer.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for Reims towards the end of 2023, and he has since represented the French outfit on 42 occasions in all competitions, with 37 of those outings coming in the top flight of French football.
This season, Kone has featured 24 times for the Red and Whites, and it is understood that his performances have led to a host of major clubs expressing an interest in his services.
According to Football Insider, Man United and Liverpool are both keen on the midfielder, who was born in Mali but has previously turned out for Ivory Coast Under-23s.
The report claims that Reims value Kone in the region of £20m, with Samba Diawara's side accepting that it will be difficult for them to resist offers for the teenager during this summer's transfer window.
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Man United, Liverpool 'could battle' for Reims star Kone
Kone has been compared to Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba due to his style of play, and the 21-year-old has become one of the most in-demand midfielders in world football due to his strong performances for the Seagulls.
Baleba made the move to the Amex from Lille in August 2023, and he has been a standout player for Brighton over the last two seasons, with Man United also believed to be admirers of the Cameroonian international.
However, a swoop for Kone would certainly be a cheaper option for Man United, who are now targeting young players with potential rather than established stars as part of a new transfer policy under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Kone has a contract with Reims until the summer of 2028, placing his French club in a strong position when it comes to potential negotiations, but it will be tough for them to hold off interest from the Premier League.
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Do Man United, Liverpool both need a new midfielder?
Liverpool are expected to be busy during this summer's transfer window despite their impressive Premier League success, and a new central midfielder is very much on the agenda for the Reds.
Head coach Arne Slot is looking to add depth in the middle, and Kone fits the brief, as he is a player who would have time and space to develop at Anfield, as there are senior players around him in that area of the field.
There would be more pressure on Kone to make his mark at Man United due to the club's problems, but there is an argument that he would have more chance of featuring regularly for the Red Devils.
Christian Eriksen is set to be released this summer, so there will be a midfield spot open during the summer market, and at £20m, Man United should not pass up the opportunity to bring in a player with enormous potential.
Matt Law
