Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still awaiting the fate of his Manchester United bid but one of his other clubs could play a part in the transfer deal for United rivals Liverpool.
Liverpool’s summer transfer plans have been derailed by reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s OGC Nice could keep midfielder Khephren Thuram.
Thuram, the son of world champion defender Lilian, made his 100th appearance for the Ligue 1 club last season.
His form earned him his first cap for the senior France team and sparked interest from the Premier League, with Liverpool continuing to rebuild after losing several senior midfielders.
Nice had a difficult 2022/23 season, finishing ninth and missing out on European qualification.
However, any clues that might compel her to sell one of her key men seem to be off the table. According to Nice-Matin (via The Mail), the Ratcliffe club want to keep Thuram for another year.
His current deal at Allianz Riviera runs until 2025 and Nice seem keen to give him time under their next permanent manager. Reports from the Continent suggest interim boss Didier Digard will not retain the role permanently
“I want to progress, get out there and have fun,” Thuram said at the UNFP Awards. “Right now I’m at Nice. It’s going very well. I like the club a lot so I still see myself at Nice.” I feel very good in Nice.
“There are noises, I hear, but I’m happy in Nice. I hope to grow with this club. I would like [Digard] to stay because he gave a lot to this group when it was in a difficult period.”
Thuram is currently absent from the France U21 squad and is not expected to make a decision on his future until his return. The Bleuets are in pole position to reach the quarter-finals after beating Italy and Norway in their opening two group games
Liverpool have already completed their first signing of the summer, with Argentinian midfielder Alexis Mac Allister joining from Brighton. However, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner will not be at Anfield next season, while Arthur Melo’s transfer from Juventus will not be permanent.
“I don’t think the world of football needs me to say too much about Alexis’ qualities as they are already quite well known, but it is clear he is someone who can play in multiple positions in midfield and is an all-rounder, I would say,” he said Mac Allister manager Jurgen Klopp. “He’s calm and composed and someone with the right game intelligence.”
If Liverpool also include Thuram as part of their midfield rebuild, the number eight shirt would be free for the Frenchman. Mac Allister has revealed he chose to wear the number 10 shirt – last worn in Liverpool by Sadio Mane – after discussing options with his father.
“I knew there were different numbers available, including 10 and 8,” said the World Cup winner.
“The number 8 shirt is a very important number at this club because of Gerrard, so I was a little hesitant. In the end, I went for 10, but 8 is a number that I really like and that has a history at the club.
