By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

6th Jun, 2023 | 9:07am

Revealed: Liverpool open preliminary talks to sign two stars who fit Klopp profile - sources

Liverpool have made contact over potential deals for French midfield duo Manu Kone and Kephren Thuram, sources have told Football Insider.

The Merseysiders have turned their attention to signing another midfielder as they put the finishing touches to the capture of 24-year-old Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool are set to complete Mac Allister’s arrival this week, with the World Cup winner set to undergo a medical in the next 48 hours after his release clause was activated.

Meanwhile, preliminary talks have now taken place with the representatives of Borussia Monchengladbach star Kone, 22, and OGC Nice ace Thuram, who is also 22.

The duo fit the profile of midfielder Jurgen Klopp wants to add to his squad for the 2023-24 season in what is shaping up to be a huge overhaul.

Football Insider revealed on Saturday (3 June) that Liverpool have contacted Southampton to register their interest in signing 19-year-old midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Klopp and recruitment chiefs are keen to rebuild the Reds’ midfield as they prepare to lose the likes of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain when their contracts expire later this month.

Gladbach star Kone, who is contracted until June 2025, made 31 appearances across all competitions this term – notching one goal and one assist.

Nice midfielder Thuram, who is also out of contract in just over two years’ time, notched two goals and eight assists in 48 appearances in all competitions.

Liverpool will play Europa League football in the 2023-24 season after paying the price for their poor early-season form and slumping to a fifth-place finish.

The Reds will play in Europe’s second-rate competition for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

In other news, second midfielder bid revealed as star wants Liverpool move.