Liverpool take commanding lead in race for fantastic €60m France star

Liverpool appear to be in pole position to sign a fantastic France star. The Reds need to bolster their squad and now's their chance.

Liverpool are in the market for a midfielder, though it's unknown just how badly they want one. Certainly, they're left with little choice if Curtis Jones leaves for Inter.

But there's an argument that they need one anyway. Last season painted the picture of a team without bite in midfield - someone who can win tackles and add some control feels like a must.

And one player Liverpool might consider is Manu Kone at AS Roma. The Frenchman is expected to move on this summer as the Italians need the money for purchases and it's a situation which has alerted major clubs.

Corriere Dello Sport have reported that Atletico Madrid offered €40m for Kone within the last few days. That bid was rejected, with Roma wanting €60m.

And two clubs are named as possible buyers at that price: Manchester United and Liverpool. United, however, just sealed deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, likely ending their midfield buying plans.

It would leave Liverpool as the most-likely club to sign Kone - potentially the ones in pole position. Certainly, Liverpool have a commanding lead in this race as the team looking for a midfielder and with cash to burn.

Kone is currently shining for France at the World Cup and his performances have only increased the desire at clubs to sign him. Liverpool, should they decide to invest in a midfielder regardless of Jones's future, won't find many better at that price.

After all, we've seen Elliot Anderson move for £116m. Adam Wharton's price tag is expected to be nine figures, too.

And so Kone at €60m may well be a bargain - enough so that Liverpool, in the position they find themselves in, will find it hard not to pull the trigger.