The Merseysiders are exploring a deal for Khephren Thuram (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool have opened talks to sign Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram but the deal could be complicated by Sir Jim Ratcliffe?s potential Manchester United takeover, according to reports.

The Merseysiders are looking to bring in two central midfielders this summer after withdrawing from the race to sign Jude Bellingham, with manager Jurgen Klopp feeling the transfer budget would be better spent on multiple players rather than just the Borussia Dortmund star.

Brighton?s Alexis Mac Allister is expected to swap the south coast for Anfield in the coming weeks, with the World Cup winner having a gentleman?s agreement to leave if a suitable offer comes in.

The Argentine plays a more offensive, box-to-box role for Brighton and Liverpool are thought to want a slightly more defence-conscious ? but still box-to-box ? player for their second midfield addition.
They have previously been linked with Sporting Lisbon?s holding midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but now French newspaper L?Equipe claim they are pushing for dynamic Nice star Thuram.

The 22-year-old, who is the son of legendary French defender Lilian Thuram, has enjoyed a breakout campaign in the south of France and earned a call-up to the senior national team as well as a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season.

He netted twice in 30 league starts last season, as well as laying on four assists, but also brings work rate and energy ? averaging...