31 May 2023 , 21:13
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Liverpool target Khephren Thuram has been urged to remain at current club OGC Nice for the sake of his development.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is keen on strengthening his midfield options ahead of next season, in light of the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. Liverpool's new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is thought to be working closely with Klopp to try and oversee any incomings as quickly as possible before pre-season training starts.
The appointment of German Schmadtke was confirmed on Tuesday morning following predecessor Julian Ward's exit and he has been tasked with ensuring the Reds have a strong summer to set them up for a stellar start next term.
As per L'Equipe, Thuram has been identified as a priority target for Liverpool but the 22-year-old has been warned against a move to Anfield in the coming months.
His manager at Nice, Didier Digard, has spoke glowingly about Thuram's work ethic but has warned against an imminent exit from the Allianz Riviera.
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"Khephren's fantastic," the Nice boss told RMC Sport. "He's very hardworking, very attentive. On rest days he's at the training centre. He recovers quickly for back-to-back matches and completes high-intensity training.
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Khephren Thuram has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Getty Images)“He listens and applies himself. He has room for improvement and he's in demand. He simply eats up video analysis, additional sessions. He also advises others, because he takes on a leadership role. He's also discovering himself as a person.
"He's already in the France team, but I'm convinced that he'll have a very big career. But there must still be a little bit in Nice to go to continue his progress."
Thuram started his career at Monaco, before making the move to Nice in 2019. Since then, he has established himself as a fans' favourite at the southern France outfit, making more than 100 appearances over the past four campaigns.
With that being said, Thuram's 2022/23 season has been by far his most successful as the midfielder secured his spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year alongside A-listers like Paris Saint-Germain duo Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
In regards to Liverpool's pursuit of the Frenchman, if any deal is finalised it is expected to come after the Reds hope to have wrapped up a £70million move for Brighton star and Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
Missing out on Champions League football as a result of finishing fifth this season appears to have sparked a sense of urgency among the Anfield hierarchy in regards to their summer dealings.