Liverpool enter race for France World Cup star but must battle Tottenham

Liverpool have entered the race to sign France star Randal Kolo Muani but must battle Tottenham for his signature, according to reports.

The 24-year-old forward was handed a spot in Didier Deschamps’ squad in after Christopher Nkunku was forced to withdraw through injury as Les Bleus – champions in 2018 – prepare to face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Kolo Muani, who was only handed his first France cap in September, started his career at Ligue 1 side Nantes, where he scored 21 goals across 79 top-flight games and helped them win the 2021-22 Coupe de France.

That saw him earn a move to Bundesliga club in the summer, scoring eight goals across his opening 23 matches in all competitions, but Foot Mercato report he could already be set for a switch to Liverpool or Spurs.

Tottenham wanted to sign him in the summer but Kolo Muani opted to head to Germany instead, likely due to the fact that he would get more playing time.

His Eintracht Frankfurt contract does not expire until 2027, meaning Liverpool or Spurs may have to spend big money to bring him to the Premier League.

It has been reported that the German have slapped a €80m (£69m) price tag on Kolo Muani.

Meanwhile, France midfielder Youssouf Fofana has warned England that they will not be able to stop Kylian Mbappe on Saturday.

‘If [Kyle Walker] knows how to stop Kylian, good for him,’ Fofana told reporters.

‘But 19 other teams in Ligue 1, and others in the Champions League, have been waiting for the solution. 

‘The truth will come from the pitch. We have full confidence in Kylian. He is focused on what the team has to do and what he has to do. I feel he is very calm and determined.’