Liverpool Steal a March on United in Toure Chase After Making Formal Approach

Liverpool have edged out Manchester United and several other Premier League clubs to take pole position in the pursuit of Hoffenheim's Bazoumana Toure, having made the decisive move of formally notifying the Bundesliga side of their interest.

Both Liverpool and United were hunting for fresh firepower on the wing this summer, though the need feels rather more acute at Anfield following Mohamed Salah's departure as a free agent. The Reds struggled to make much of an impression in wide areas throughout 2025/26, leaving them short of attacking options down the flank.

While Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola have been linked with moves to Merseyside, the 20-year-old Toure represents a more economical proposition. The winger enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Germany's top flight, registering seven goals and five assists across 30 appearances—a record that has caught the attention of several heavyweight suitors.

United have been in the frame for Toure's signature and are said to remain "firmly in the race," but Liverpool have leapfrogged their Old Trafford rivals by taking concrete action. The Reds view the prospect as a long-term answer to their winger troubles and have maintained regular dialogue with Hoffenheim over a potential transfer.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also expressed keen interest, but Liverpool's proactive approach appears to have positioned them at the front of the queue.

Hefty fee expected for Hoffenheim record sale

Hoffenheim are bracing themselves for substantial offers, with the German club holding firm on an asking price in the region of €40-50 million (£43.1 million/$57.9 million). A departure at that level would constitute a record sale for the Bundesliga outfit.

Toure remains under contract until 2029 with no release clause, though observers widely believe the Ivory Coast international is ready to make the step up to English football.

Wharton edges Scott in Liverpool's midfield thinking

Turning to Liverpool's midfield recruitment, reporter David Lynch has suggested that Adam Wharton sits higher on the club's wishlist than Bournemouth's Alex Scott for the forthcoming window.

Speaking to Anfield Index, Lynch acknowledged that Scott ticks many boxes and remains a player Liverpool have monitored previously, particularly before his move to the Cherries. The homegrown prospect is likely to secure a bigger move in the near future, and a Liverpool switch this summer cannot be ruled out entirely.

However, Lynch indicated that Wharton has been the more prominent target in Liverpool's thinking as the transfer window approaches.