Liverpool 'open negotiations over a deal for Nice's £51.9m midfield talent Khephren Thuram'

Liverpool have reportedly opened transfer negotiations with Ligue 1 side Nice over a potential deal for talented midfielder Khephren Thuram.

Thuram has attracted attention from Premier League clubs, however, Liverpool appear to be attempting to steal a march in the race for the Frenchman's signature.

The 22-year-old star is the youngest son of former Juventus and Barcelona defender Lillian Thuram and the brother of Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram.

Jurgen Klopp is keen to overhaul his midfield after being forced to end Liverpool's pursuit of Real Madrid-bound Jude Bellingham, while other stars form part of a mass summer clear-out.

Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner are packing their bags in preparation of confirmed departures upon expiration of their contracts.

A reduced wage bill has freed up funds for new arrivals and Thuram's recent form has seen Liverpool begin talks over his transfer, according to L'Equipe.

The Reds have apparently been impressed with the Frenchman's reliability, physicality and midfield energy. All factors that have been lacking in their engine-room during a difficult season that saw them miss out on Champions League football.

Thuram's improvement over 35 French top-flight fixtures for Nice earned him a place in Ligue 1's team of the year along with a debut call-up to the Les Blues.

Nice believe their talent could progress to become one of Europe's best midfielders and have apparently set a £51.9million for Thuram's signature.

The Premier League giants have reportedly already met with the box-to-box midfielder's representatives and the player is supposedly attracted to the idea of continuing his development under Klopp.

However, Thuram doesn't appear eager to sour his relationship at the Sir Jim Ratcliffe owned French team and recently expressed he is 'happy' at Nice.

'I want to progress, be on the pitch, have fun. For now, I'm at Nice, and that's going very well, I really like the club, so I still see myself at Nice.

'I am happy at Nice. There are rumours, I hear them, but I'm happy at Nice and I hope to grow with this club,'

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also attempting to secure Alex Mac Allister's permanent transfer from Brighton after the Argentinian's outstanding season for both club and country.