United may receive a boost from Liverpool as Jim Ratcliffe sets the asking price for top player.

Liverpool may pursue a January acquisition that unintentionally aids Jim Ratcliffe’s progress with Manchester United.

According to reports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has assigned a value to Liverpool target Khephren Thuram, which the Reds may unwittingly contribute to the British billionaire’s acquisition of Manchester United. Liverpool was reportedly interested in Thuram during the summer transfer window, and Jurgen Klopp may rekindle his pursuit of him in January.

Klopp successfully concluded a significant midfield overhaul during the summer transfer window. The German enhanced his roster with the additions of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Endo Wataru compared to the prior campaign.

Although Thuram, a success for Nice, was linked with a move to Anfield, the transaction fell through. The 22-year-old remain with the Ligue 1 club instead, where he has maintained his impressive form.

Due to injuries, Thuram has only appeared in ten of Nice’s top-flight matches this season, failing to earn a significant starting position for Francesco Farioli’s squad. According to reports, this may result in the France international becoming available during the January transfer window.

Corriere dello Sport of Italy reports that Ratcliffe, the proprietor of Nice, is seeking £34.8 million (€40 million) for Thuram. According to reports, Liverpool will vie with Juventus and Inter Milan for his highly coveted signature.

However, should Liverpool endeavor to acquire Thuram for that price, they may unwittingly aid Manchester United, a rival in the north-west Premier League. Reportedly, Ratcliffe is nearing completion of a £1.4 billion acquisition of a 25% stake in the Old Trafford club.

By paying Nice £34.8 million, Liverpool could assist Ratcliffe in maintaining financial support for the French club as he strategizes to revamp the United athletic department. In effect, this might enable the 71-year-old INEOS CEO to devote more focus to his duties with United.

A prospective transfer of Thuram to Liverpool could also create space for defender Jean-Clair Todibo, whose rumored transfer from Nice to United was facilitated by Ratcliffe. After that, Nice will have the capacity to reinvest the substantial transfer fees without needing substantial funding from Ratcliffe. He can dedicate his full efforts to transforming the Red Devils into a formidable force in the Premier League.

Whether or not Liverpool pursues the acquisition of a fifth midfielder this season is uncertain. Thuram’s versatility (box-to-box No 8) and defensive midfielder status (box-to-box No 8) render him an alluring candidate for Premier League clubs.

However, Klopp might determine that acquiring defensive reinforcements is the current priority. The probable summer departure of Joel Matip on a free transfer will reduce Liverpool’s senior center-back roster to three players, thereby emphasizing the critical nature of signing replacements.