Liverpool have had their hopes of signing Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni boosted.
What's the word?
That is according to a report from RMCSport who claim that Tchouameni has reached an agreement with both Liverpool and Real Madrid, with both clubs now negotiating with AS Monaco.
It is said that the young Frenchman will make his choice before the end of the week, though, what has been confirmed is the rejection towards PSG, with the 22-year-old ruling the French champions out.
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Either way, it looks as though Liverpool are now closer to their second signing of the summer after agreeing upon a deal to bring Fabio Carvalho to Anfield.
Thiago 2.0 closer than ever
With Liverpool having agreed terms with the midfielder, the deal is closer than ever.
After what has been months of build-up, it looks as though the Monaco star will confirm his future by the end of the week. With both teams fighting for Champions League glory on the 28th of May, it remains to be seen as to whether the Bordeaux youth product will make his decision before the clash of the European giants.
If he opts to join Klopp's side though. he could seize on an opportunity to develop his game positionally and push up to a more offensive-minded role in central midfield.
If this was the case, his outstanding technical ability on the ball would allow him to fit into the mould of the Spanish maestro, Thiago, whose style has benefited Klopp's side massively this season. It's also worth noting that the France international is noted as a similar player to the 31-year-old, based on his numbers this year (as per FBref)
As a holding midfielder for Monaco, his defensive acumen will come as no surprise, with all central midfielders in a Klopp system expected to be competent in the out-of-possession phase of the game.
Tchouameni's average of 6.47 tackles plus interceptions per game is an outstanding return, but so is Thiago's at an average of 5.90. You get the impression that Liverpool's heavy metal approach to pressing would see Tchouameni's metrics rise even higher.
Despite the 22-year-old's shot-creating actions lacking, with an average of 2.07 SCA per game, the Monaco star has managed to drum up the same number of returns as Thiago this season, who boasts a match average of 3.21 SCA.
£60m Tchouameni, who's capable of a "magnificent" long-range strike, has three goals and two assists to show for his 35 appearances in Ligue 1, primarily as a holding midfielder. Whilst Thiago has clocked up one goal and four assists in ten less games, his game is more about holding the ball and progressing the Reds.
Tchouameni's metrics are entirely promising, and if he is to choose Liverpool over Madrid, he could well develop into a technical master like Thiago.