Liverpool Join United and Forest in Race for Juventus Midfielder Thuram

Liverpool are in the hunt for Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer, locking horns with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest for the French international's signature.

The Reds may well need reinforcements in the engine room should Curtis Jones depart Anfield. The academy product has attracted attention from Aston Villa and Inter Milan, with the Italian outfit his preferred destination. Inter have tabled an offer of €20m (£17m), but Liverpool are holding firm at €30m (£26m) to let the 25-year-old leave.

Thuram tops the wish list

Thuram, Adam Wharton and Alex Scott represent Liverpool's midfield options as they plan for potential departures. The Juventus man has made clear his desire to sample Premier League football, having turned down overtures from Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli and Turkish side Galatasaray.

Italian sources indicate Thuram could depart Turin imminently, with Juventus eyeing a sale to generate funds ahead of their June 30 financial year-end. The club are considering offloading Thuram alongside Andrea Cambiaso and Gleison Bremer to raise €12-13m (£10-11m). Juve's asking price sits between €40-45m (£35-39m) for the four-time France cap, representing decent value for one of Serie A's standout midfielders.

The financial gulf between English clubs and their continental counterparts continues to prove decisive in the transfer market, with Thuram potentially becoming the next big-name casualty.

The wider midfield picture

Liverpool's recruitment team must weigh up whether to pursue Thuram or instead invest in proven Premier League operators. Wharton appears to be the current frontrunner, despite Crystal Palace's hefty £70-80m valuation. The England prospect offers greater potential upside, though Tottenham are also circling.

New boss Andoni Iraola may harbour different preferences. The Spaniard previously worked with Bournemouth's Alex Scott and could fancy reuniting with the 22-year-old. Scott's £60m price tag has attracted Arsenal and United too, highlighting the fierce competition for England's emerging midfield talent.