Liverpool reportedly can sign perfect alternative to Keita for club record fee

According to The Guardian’s Sport deputy news editor Ed Aarons, Liverpool have emerged as the latest suitor in the race to land OGC Nice’s £36.3million-rated midfielder Jean Michael Seri.

Having failed to prise  Naby Keita away from Leipzig despite their best efforts all summer, the Reds have shifted attention to the Ligue 1 star.

However, they face very stiff competition from Arsenal, Barcelona Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham who are all willing to meet Seri’s buyout clause.

The Ivory Coast international, 26, proved his worth last term, notching 7 goals and 9 assists as Nice emerged 2nd runners-up in the French league.

Seri is the perfect box-to-box midfielder, but he is also very attack-minded, has a great range of passing, and creates a lot of goalscoring chances.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reckons he needs such a player, and Seri could even prove to be a better option than Keita.

With Coutinho most likely to leave, Seri’s attacking abilities will allow Liverpool feel his exit less, while his defensive prowess will also help correct some of their deficiencies at the back.

Getting the former Pacos de Ferreira man would be the best thing to happen to the Reds this summer, but there are a lot of hurdles to cross.

From richer suitors, Nice’s Champions League ambitions, to the player’s ingrown toenails which require special treatment whenever it’s cold, everything could work against the Merseysiders in their hopes of landing France’s best kept secret.