Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus has told Liverpool he has no intention of selling Manu Kone.
The £34million-rated midfielder emerged as a potential target for the Reds earlier in the summer and Jurgen Klopp is thought to want another signing for the centre of the park after bringing in Wataru Endo last week.
However, interest in Kone has waned due to a knee injury picked up by the France youth international at the Under-21 Euros, ruling him out until next month.
Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure is also admired by Liverpool, who are thought to be scouring the market for alternative options.
Gladbach chief Virkus expects Kone to return to action after the international break with his current club, as he stated that the German team have no need or desire to cash in on the 22-year-old.
“We don't have to sell him,” Virkus told Bild.
“But it was always like this: if there is another immense offer, then we have to think about it. But that's not the plan. Our plan is to keep Kone.
“Kone is a player who has something different, he gives you as a team a better balance in midfield.
“He's coming back after the international break and he's very important to us, a tough and intelligent footballer. We need stability in this position.”
