Liverpool Transfer News: Reds to Join Jean Michael Seri Race in Latest Rumours

Liverpool have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri this summer.

According to Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t the Sunday Mirror), the Reds have been watching Seri closely in recent weeks, with manager Jurgen Klopp said to be keen to strengthen his central-midfield options.

Bates noted Liverpool are poised to lose Emre Can at the end of the campaign, with the Germany international yet to extend his contract, which expires in the summer.

"Manchester United had been checking Seri, but boss Jose Mourinho has reservations, believing the 5 foot 6 inch African star lacks the physicality he prefers in his players," Bates reported. "... Liverpool have emerged as newcomers to the chase, with Klopp's scouts at Nice's win over Lille on Friday night as well as the recent draw with Nantes."

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While Liverpool will add Naby Keita to their squad from RB Leipzig ahead of next season, Can's potential departure and Philippe Coutinho sale to Barcelona in January mean they would benefit from some more depth in the middle of the pitch.

Seri would provide as much, and while Bates compared him to Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kanta, there are many stylistic difference between the players. As WhoScored.com illustrated, Seri is a tremendous playmaker:

The Ivory Coast international's game is much more about creating chances than stopping the opposition.

While he has been used as the deepest man in midfield at times this season, Seri is more comfortable when afforded room to exploit. The Nice star is always seeking to get on the ball, is incisive with his passes and is adept at managing the tempo of a game.

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If Can does leave, Seri would be an ideal replacement. He isn't as forceful a dribbler as Keita. Nor is he as dynamic as someone like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. But he would enable Liverpool to take a stranglehold of games with his smart use of the ball.

Writer Jack Lusby suggested earlier in the season that Seri would represent a smart acquisition for Liverpool:

Here's a closer look at what he would be able to bring to either the United or Liverpool lineup:

Seri did come close to leaving Nice last summer, with Barcelona and the player agreeing personal terms before a deal fell through, per Robin Bairner of Goal. However, with the Ivorian's contract set to expire in 2019 and Nice struggling to secure European football for next season, he will surely move in the summer.

Liverpool would make sense as a destination, as Klopp is unlikely to have a midfielder quite like Seri available to him beyond this campaign. The 26-year-old has showcased all the traits needed to be a big hit at a higher level too.