Borussia Monchengladbach have triggered an option to extend Manu Kone's contract amid interest from Liverpool, Juventus and Bayern Munich, 90min understands.
Kone has been one of the most sought after young midfielders in Europe during recent transfer windows thanks to his impressive showings with Gladbach. Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United have all previously been credited with an interest in the France Under-21 international, with all three regularly scouting the player during the final few months of the 2022/23 season.
Ultimately, however, a summer move didn't materialise for the midfielder when Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Liverpool signed Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai, and Newcastle signed Sandro Tonali instead.
Rumours around Kone's future have continued since the transfer window closed, and 90min understands that Liverpool remain interested - although he is not currently a priority midfield target. Sources recently confirmed to 90min that the Reds are also very keen on signing Fluminense midfielder Andre, who has impressed the club during recent scouting missions to South America.
Along with interest from Liverpool, Kone has also caught the attention of Juventus. The Italian giants are in the market for midfield reinforcements due to Nicolo Fagioli's seven-month ban for betting on football matches and Paul Pogba's impending ban for a doping violation. Kone is shortlisted alongside with fellow French starlet Khephren Thuram as potential targets inJanuary window.
90min understands that Bayern have also earmarked the player as a potential alternative to Joao Palhinha. Despite a deal falling through in the final hours of deadline day and the player signing a new contract at Fulham, Palhinha remains Bayern's top midfield target heading into the winter window. However, the club view Kone as a high-level alternative if a move fails to materialise once again.
But Kone won't be available for a cut-price fee. Sources have confirmed to 90min that, in order to prevent their prized asset from leaving on the cheap, Borussia Monchenglabach have exercised an option to extend the player's contract by one year - lengthening his current deal until 2026.
Rumours had previously swirled that Kone could be available for as little as £30m - a bargain for a player of his age and calibre - but the contract extension has meant that that is no longer the case.
READ THE LATEST NEWS FROM 90MIN'S TALKING TRANSFERS TEAM
This article was originally published on 90min as Liverpool & Juventus target Manu Kone has Gladbach contract extended.
