Borussia Monchengladbach have triggered an option to extend the contract of midfielder Manu Kone for a further season.
Kone has been linked with an exit from the Bundesliga side after an impressive emergence in Germany, and the France u21 international was set to enter the final 12 months of his deal next summer.
However, Monchengladbach have activated a clause to extend Kone’s deal for a further season, protecting his value amid reported interest from Liverpool, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Liverpool were linked with a move for Kone last summer as Jurgen Klopp overhauled his midfield options, but an injury sustained during the u-21 European Championship saw interest decline in the Frenchman.
The Reds signed Wataru Endo from Stuttgart as a defensive midfield option, though the Japan international will turn 31 in February and is viewed as a short-term solution.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Kone could still leave Monchengladbach next summer, with the 22-year-old valued in the region of €30-€40m.
Kone ranked among the Bundesliga’s top 10 players for passes into the final third, progressive passes, tackles and successful take-ons last season. He was also the second-most fouled player in the division.
