Liverpool and Everton are both interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe according to RMC Sport (via Tuttomercatoweb). The French defender has become frustrated by the lack of first team opportunities at the Parc des Princes with the Brazlians Thiago Silva and Marquinhos the preferred centre back pairing for manager Unai Emery.
The 21 year old is involved in contract negotiations with PSG with his current deal running until 2018, but he has not been selected in the squad for the last three league games.
Kimpembe started the first six matches of the season but was then benched for the 2-0 loss against Toulouse. He hasn’t started since for the club leading to speculation that he maybe sold because of the lack of progress in contract discussions.
When asked by RMC Sport about why Kimpembe had been left out of the squad in recent matches. Emery’s explanation was that he had been omitted purely for tactical reasons:
“I’m glad to have Presnel Kimpembe. When David Luiz left, we decided to make him number three in central defence. When on the bench, replacements often involve offensive players, although sometimes you need defenders. So I chose from time to time not to take him as a substitute.”
“But if they tell me tomorrow that Thiago Silva or Marquinhos is not ready, Kimpembe will play. He knows it. The club never asked me not to include a layer. If they are not [on the bench] this is just a tactical choice.”
As well as Liverpool and Everton, Monaco are also believed to be monitoring the centre back.
