Bayer Leverkusen are ready to test Liverpool’s resolve to keep their England Under-21 centre-back Jarell Quansah.
Liverpool are not proactively seeking to sell the defender, but an offer in the region of £40 million could tempt them to sell. The Bundesliga club are considering a formal bid, but it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to go that high.
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Talks between the clubs are unrelated to the £116 million transfer of Florian Wirtz, which should be ratified in the next 24 hours. Wirtz is heading to Merseyside to conclude the formalities of his record-breaking move.
There are good relations between the Leverkusen and Anfield hierarchy, which has led to ongoing dialogue on Quansah’s future.
Liverpool are reluctant to sell but are aware of the strong interest in a player who is currently with the England Under-21s side defending their European Championship title.
Liverpool rewarded Quansah with a long-term contract last season, but despite his potential, he is yet to establish himself as first choice alongside Virgil van Dijk.
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However, he was an important member of Liverpool’s Premier League-winning squad, and his career appears on an upward trajectory.
The academy product broke into the side in the 2023-24 season, winning the Carabao Cup and being hailed as one of several exciting young England defenders. He was even called up to Sir Gareth Southgate’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024.
Jarell Quansah with England Under-21s at the European Championship
Quansah is currently on duty with England Under-21s at the European Championship - Getty Images Europe
The Warrington-born 22-year-old started last season under Arne Slot, but swiftly dropped below Ibrahima Konaté in the pecking order.
Bundesliga interest reflects how highly he is rated. There have been several approaches for him over the past 12 months, most notably when Newcastle United asked for him to be included in a possible player-plus cash deal for Anthony Gordon a year ago.
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Liverpool’s refusal to agree to that proposal affirmed at the time how highly he was regarded.
Selling him this summer would require Liverpool to find a replacement, and they are already in the market for defenders, hoping to strike a deal for Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez.