Liverpool could be set for another Man Utd transfer battle over Juventus star
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Liverpool continues to be active in the summer transfer market, but the Reds now face a battle with arch rival Manchester United to sign a midfielder who could be perfect for Andoni IraolaLiverpool looks set to battle it out with Manchester United for the signing of a key transfer target(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))Liverpool's summer transfer moves continue to unfold, as reports claim that the club could battle with rivals Manchester United for the signature of one key target in the weeks ahead.The arrival of Andoni Iraola has already been greeted with two new additions, as Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz both joined the Reds as key parts of a roster shake-up that will be important to the new head coach's success.There is still plenty more to be done, however, with Liverpool still needing more pace and energy to play the type of intense soccer expected from the manager. A winger remains a priority, with Yan Diomande's recent rejection forcing the Merseyside outfit to look elsewhere in the market.
Bradley Barcola appears to be a standout name, but there are other potential arrivals.Beyond the wide areas, Liverpool are also looking in midfield. The central ranks were far from their strongest last season, with many players in those roles struggling for the sort of form that saw them lift the Premier League title just a season prior.With Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai set for long-term stays, there are doubts over the futures of Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister for the rest of the summer transfer window.Any exits may require some arrivals, with the likes of Ayyoub Bouaddi, Adam Wharton, and Alex Scott all linked with a potential switch to Anfield.However, Tuttosport reports that Juventus star Khephren Thuram is an option for Liverpool, with the Reds having expressed interest in signing the 25-year-old.Khephren Thuram of Juventus(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)The Reds are not alone, however, as rivals Manchester United are also in the mix, according to the report.
It wouldn't be the first time that both clubs have crossed paths in the market, with the two teams showing interest in similar targets, most recently Bournemouth's Scott and Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora.It's claimed that $57.2 million will be required to get a deal over the line, with Juventus keen to sell players to help raise funds for the transfer market.Thuram was a regular for the Bianconeri over the past season, picking up 45 appearances across all competitions, with four goals and five assists to his name.As he nears the peak years of his career, the Frenchman may prove to be a wise addition for Premier League clubs during a time where the market is inflated for midfielders.Elliot Anderson's $155.3 million move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City has sent the market into overdrive, along with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes joining Tottenham for a combined $247.7 million.It means Liverpool and its rivals will need to be smart when it comes to transfer fund allocation in midfield. Thuram could prove to be a relative bargain, but a battle for his signature will come first.