An old coach of Manu Kone has revealed that Liverpool are his favourite club and that the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder once wore one of their kits during a trial.
Reda Bekhti, a former academy trainer at Paris FC, detailed an encounter with the highly-rated France U21 international, who has been increasingly linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks after reports in Germany suggested that Liverpool's new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke was eyeing reinforcements from the Bundesliga.
Kone enjoyed a successful campaign with Monchengladbach despite Daniel Farke's side finishing outside of the European places. And Reds fans have already made their feelings known to the 22-year-old ahead of a proposed summer move.
READ MORE: Liverpool winger 16-month injury nightmare nears end as attacking options set to improve
READ MORE: Liverpool remain in top spot as Manchester United miss chance and Man City don't come close
And it would appear the feeling is mutual. In an exclusive interview with Liverpool.com, Bekhti explained how Kone wore a Liverpool kit during his trial at Ligue 2 side Paris FC.
"It would be especially gratifying for Manu. I remember in his trial at Paris FC, he was dressed in a Liverpool kit, it's his favourite club," he told Liverpool.com.
Kone's time with the club based out of the French capital lasted just three years, with his development continuing at the likes of Toulouse until he sought new pastures in Gladbach, where his contract runs up until 2025.
Bekhti added that the move to the Premier League and in particular Merseyside would be a "very good step".
"Liverpool would be a very good step for him and a good career choice," he said. "He would be able to prove himself in the Premier League while playing for a club that is one of the most popular in England. In an environment like that, he could only progress and demonstrate his talent further."
READ NEXT:
- 'I don’t really laugh about it' - Infamous Liverpool signing lasted less than an hour before being sold
- Alexis Mac Allister could be handed his 'dream' shirt number after Liverpool move
- Darwin Nunez has already admitted what has to happen at Liverpool next season
- Anfield Road expansion reaches new landmark after huge change to Liverpool stadium
- Alexis Mac Allister is about to prove FSG and John Henry right with Liverpool transfer
