As we approach the final two weeks of the summer transfer window, Liverpool will need to brace themselves for a transfer battle with two of their Premier League rivals.
The Reds have been one of the quieter clubs in the marketplace since Arne Slot took over, but that may be because the new man in charge wanted to get a look at what he had available firstly before sanctioning any transfers in and out of the club.
Whatever the truth of the matter, it’s believed that Liverpool have long admired Bayer Leverkusen’s brilliant centre-back, Odilon Kossounou.
Liverpool ready for Odilon Kossounou transfer battle
CaughtOffside sources have indicated that the 23-year-old Ivorian, who can also play at right-back, is still high on Liverpool’s transfer list, but is also attracting serious interest from both Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.
The Eagles and the Magpies may be looking to do a separate deal between them with Marc Guehi swapping Selhurst Park for St. James’ Park, and that being the case, Newcastle could then be ruled out of the race for Kossounou.
Where the parties are likely to benefit in terms of getting a deal for Kossounou over the line is because of his refusal to sign a new contract with Leverkusen, as this could expedite the transfer process.
CaughtOffside sources also understand that all three Premier League clubs are currently in talks with the player, and given Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso’s prior association with the Reds, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to believe that Liverpool could be treated favourably in any negotiations.
There are only two years remaining on Kossounou’s contract (per transfermarkt), and sources indicate that Leverkusen are keen to sell him this summer to avoid having to let him go for a greatly reduced fee next year.
At present, the German top-flight champions are understood to want in the region of £30m-£35m, which all of the Premier League clubs interested are willing to meet.