Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been handed a boost in the hunt for Jean Michael-Seri after Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere gave the green light over his exit.
The top flight trio are said by the Mirror to have already held talks with the 26-year-old’s representatives over securing a move to England and that he would be available for a fee in the region of £40million, having impressed for the Ligue 1 outfit.
Now it appears as though the Ivory Coast’s international is a certainty heading into the summer, with Rivere all but confirming that the 18-cap star would be given his blessing to head overseas and further his career.
The Nice chief was quoted by the Mirror as saying: “We are here to help players to improve, that is the case with him.
“Mika Seri is in the same category. A very good player who has brought a lot to the club and can legitimately have that desire to go and play abroad.”
Good move for Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp already has some pretty talented midfielders at his disposal but if the Reds really want to mount a charge for the Premier League title, or possible another run in the Champions League, then some depth would not go amiss.
Seri is an energetic central star who mixes his power in the middle with vision and technique, helping him pick up 10 assists this season.
He would certainly be a welcome addition to the squad at Anfield, and considering the competition they face for his capture, would be something of a coup.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
This is where Liverpool’s hopes may well be dashed, for there are probably more desperate sides out there trying to prise Seri from Nice’s grasp.
The likes of Manchester United and Arsenal have struggled in the centre and new recruits for such a role may be higher up their list than Klopp’s, meaning they will be willing to splash more cash for his capture.
If Liverpool can convince Seri he will be handed more playing time with them than anyone else, as well as offering the sort of money he will demand, they could snap him up, but it promises to be a big fight.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10