Who is reported Liverpool transfer target Amadou Kone?

Liverpool are linked any players it can be difficult to keep up. Here's the down low on one of our latest targets - Amadou Kone.

The Reds are intent on bringing in fresh personnel this summer, after a particularly frugal past couple of years, and so this window is by all accounts set to be one for the ages.

READ MORE: Liverpool coach CONFIRMS star has rejected mega offer

Replenishing the defence will be one of the main areas of spending, as a left-back, a right-back and at least one centre-back all on the shopping list.

But the forward line will also see some changes made to it, as three of the six players in the core attacking group have all shown that they are not up to standard. It's remarkable that the club has been able to win the Premier League while carrying such deadwood, although they have helped out occasionally.

However, alongside those two main concerns will be a bit of wiggle room for a young project player - someone who is not quite ready for the elite level, but could be taken in under Arne Slot and the senior team leaders' wing to develop and gain experience.

One of the lates candidates for that role is Amadou Kone and here's all you need to know about him.

The multi-faceted midfield wonderkid on Liverpool's radar

According to journalist Pete O'Rourke working for Football Insider, Liverpool and Manchester United are 'tracking' the 19-year-old, who is currently stationed at Stade de Reims.

His price tag is set to be around £20m, which is firmly in the range where we could be deemed a bargain or just someone Liverpool could take a punt on, so we're really talking about a player who would not take away from the budget for the more urgent concerns in Arne Slot's squad.

The youngster is from Mali, although he represents the Ivory Coast at the youth international level and plays midfield, although his role in the French side is relatively undefined, as he is often given a free role to roam the pitch and assist his teammates when necessary.

As a Liverpool fan looking at the player, it would be pretty easy for me to completely dismiss this interest out of hand, because the Reds' already have a title-winning midfield that has the perfect age profile to dominate for years to come.

But, his primary position is considered to be defensive midfield, and according to FBREF, he is in the 90th percentile for tackles, the 90th percentile for interceptions and the 92nd percentile for clearances, when compared to others in his position. The wonderkid is already making his mark.

Furthermore, one of the main gripes that Liverpool fans have had about the team this year has been the lack of a back-up or understudy for Ryan Gravenberch, who was offered the role this season.

With the Dutchman still just 22 years old, and Kone 19 years old, the depth that the club would have in that position would be frightening. A pair who could soon become world-beaters at the heart of the midfield.

One problem that might occur with a potential deal is that Stefan Bajectic is already looking likely to challenge the Reds' for some senior minutes next season, and he is already a club-owned asset.

As a result, we might already have someone in place to do the role that Kone would be looking to play, so the transfer just might not make practical sense.

But if Liverpool decide to go ahead and act on their 'tracking' of the teenager, then the battle with Manchester United for his signature should be relatively straightforward to win.

We have already seen how difficult it has been for a player like Leny Yoro to succeed at Old Trafford because he's still incredibly young and far from the finished article. Whereas, what Ruben Amorim is actually likely to be targeting is experienced internationals who can help them escape from 14th in the Premier League.

READ MORE: Liverpool FINALLY have their Steven Gerrard replacement

So the current state of affairs is this: Liverpool clearly like him, the transfer would be inexpensive when the entire context of the club's summer plans is considered, and he is already showing lots of potential.

READ MORE: The evidence is stacking up - Is Trent Alexander-Arnold STAYING at Liverpool?