Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Layvin Kurzawa and Keita Balde Diao Rumours

Conflicting reports have emerged on the future of AS Monaco full-back Layvin Kurzawa and his proposed move to Paris Saint-Germain, with Liverpool reportedly also interested in the 22-year-old star.

The Sunday People's Tom Hopkinson reports the French champions are close to sealing a deal for the France international, but according to RMC (h/t Get French Football News), Les Parisiens haven't even made an offer, and Monaco have no intention of selling to another French club.

Kurzawa has started the 2015-16 campaign on fire, scoring a goal in each of his first three appearances for Monaco. French Football Weekly noticed the incredible form he appears to be in:

The youngster looks and plays like the typical modern full-back, offering plenty of quality in the attacking third. He's fast, technically adept and strong on the ball, and while he's a work in progress defensively, his athletic ability allows him to get away with most of the mistakes he makes.

As a young prospect to be groomed into a future star, a move for Kurzawa makes a lot of sense. But the Frenchman doesn't come without question marks. Injuries have been an issue for Kurzawa, as noted by transfermarkt.co.uk, and he's already been hit by the injury bug this season, per Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports:

His frequent spells on the sidelines could just be down to bad luck, or they could be indicative of a real concern. Spending big on an injury-prone player is never a good idea, but in this case, the injuries might actually bring down the eventual transfer fee. According to Le Parisien (h/t Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson), Monaco are demanding €20 million.

As things stand, Alberto Moreno and Joe Gomez look like they will do battle to start at left-back for the Reds, with little depth available behind those two. Kurzawa could be a strong signing as a back-up and future starter, but asking him to immediately challenge for the starting position may be too much.

Liverpool have already enjoyed a busy summer on the transfer market, and one has to assume manager Brendan Rodgers will spend the rest of the window mainly looking at finalising his squad. Kurzawa could fit into that strategy, even if he comes with a little risk, and if the price his right, he could prove to be a massive steal down the road.

Swap Deal for Keita Balde Diao?

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

According to Italian newspaper Il Tempo (h/t Daily Mirror's Aaron Flanagan), the Reds could offer Mario Balotelli or Fabio Borini to Lazio in an attempt to bring talented youngster Keita Balde Diao to Anfield.

The 20-year-old forward, who can play both as a winger or a striker, was mainly used as a substitute by the Italians in 2014-15, and according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Daily Express' Joe Short), that has led to him handing in a transfer request.

A product of Barcelona's famed youth setup, Keita was one of the top dribblers in Serie A last season, completing 76 percent of his attempts, per Squawka. While he's still raw in his execution, his physical traits make him an appealing prospect and is similar to Divock Origi in terms of playing style.

He uses his body and raw pace well, and while he still has plenty to learn about finishing and positioning, his talent is obvious. If he's truly determined to leave Lazio, suitors will likely be lining up.

Any deal that could send Balotelli or Borini to the Italian capital would be a good one for both parties. Both are experienced forwards who have produced in the past, and while there no longer appears to be any room for them in Rodgers' squad, they could still prove to be excellent signings for Lazio.

According to the Daily Mirror (h/t Football Italia), Balotelli is due a loyalty bonus, adding further incentive to move the Italian. And per Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Football Italia), Lazio have already made an offer for compatriot Borini.

Keita is an interesting prospect, but like Origi in 2014, he doesn't appear ready to make an impact on the highest level. Signing him now and sending him out on loan would seem like the perfect solution, although Lazio would be an unlikely partner in that scenario if Keita indeed requested a transfer.

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