Liverpool's decision to appoint a new sporting director could pay immediate dividends as they pursue Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.
This week, Jorg Schmadtke began his new role at Anfield, replacing Julian Ward after his short 12 month tenure. But there will be little time for the German to get his feet under the table, with the club facing a huge summer following an underwhelming campaign.
The 59-year-old will be charged with helping Jurgen Klopp bolster his reinforcements, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Roberto Firmino all heading for the exit door. A deal for Brighton midfielder Mac Allister is nearing, but that promises to be just the start of the incomings in the summer spending spree.
And numerous German and French media outlets are now linking the Reds to Kone. The player signed from Toulouse two years ago, and has impressed this season with 30 appearances as his side finished 10th in the Bundesliga.
And Liverpool's links to the club they once famously beat in a European Cup final may have now inadvertently got stronger. German publication Kicker is claiming that Nils Schmadtke, son of Jorg, is to take up the role of Monchengladbach's sporting director.
The 34-year-old previously worked at the club as a scout, and has also undertaken roles FC Koln and VfL Wolfsburg. He worked at the latter with his father, with any potential negotiations now likely to be helped by the family ties.
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Kone has played for France at Under 18, 19, and 21 level, although he is yet to receive a call up to the full national side. His signing would be viewed as a left field move from Klopp, but also one unlikely to break the bank with FSG unable to match the financial power of rivals Manchester City.
The club have also been tenuously linked with Declan Rice, but the £100 million asking price is a potential stumbling block. Mason Mount is another potential target, although Klopp faces stern competition from Manchester United, who have reportedly agreed personal terms.
