Manu Kone has already spoken out on the future amidst Liverpool’s new transfer ‘interest’

Liverpool have reportedly expressed interest in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone

Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone has already said he is trying to stem speculation about his future among Liverpool’s “interests”.

Speculation about the France Under-21 international has gained momentum in the last 24 hours following reports that the Reds have inquired about the 22-year-old. Germany’s SPORTBILD has suggested the Anfield club’s intentions are ‘real’ and ‘grand’.

Jorg Schmadtke was confirmed as the new sporting director on Tuesday to replace the outgoing Julian Ward. It has been suggested that negotiations with Die Fohlen could now be held in German which could help the talks. They also report that Liverpool previously had between €40m to €45m (£34m to £38m) and say they have already contacted the former Toulouse midfielder’s management regarding their interest.

Manchester United have previously been linked to his services, but it now appears the Reds are moving forward with their ambitions to bolster their ranks.

Amid growing interest from clubs across Europe, Kone acknowledged that his friends and representatives sent him articles mentioning admirers. However, he reiterated his unwavering focus on football.

At the moment I’m in Mönchengladbach,” Kone told Le Parisien in March. “I live well with rumors, I don’t pay attention to everything that is being said. It’s more my entourage and my friends who send me the articles.

It’s a source of pride for them [entourage and friends] to see my name associated with big clubs, but it doesn’t make me hot or cold. I prefer to end my season calmly. Then what has to happen will happen.”

Despite finishing tenth in the Bundesliga this season, Daniel Farke is supported by the Gladbach hierarchy. They lost the first six by seven points and 19 points to fourth-placed Union Berlin.