**Liverpool have suffered a potential blow in their efforts to sign Newcastle United centre-back Sven Botman, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.**
A new central defender has to be at the top of the Reds’ wishlist in 2026, whether in January or next summer, amid doubts over Ibrahima Konate’s form and future.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Botman, but speaking to [_Football Insider_](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-newcastle-confident-of-agreeing-sven-botman-deal-after-liverpool-twist/), O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle are in talks with him over a new deal, as they look to “ward off” interest from Liverpool:
_“I think they’re confident that they can keep hold of Sven Botman._ _Contract talks have opened up initially between Botman and Newcastle to see if they can come to an agreement over a new deal._ _He’s got 18-months left on his current deal as well and I think the key thing for Botman now is staying fit and enjoying his football._
_“He’s back to full fitness this season and he is a key man for Eddie Howe in that Newcastle side as well._ _The priority for everybody at the club will be to tie him down to a new deal and sort of ward off this speculation linking with the likes of Liverpool and PSG._ _Obviously, it will be a concern that these big clubs are looking at Newcastle’s players. They’ve obviously experienced it already last summer with Alexander Isak, so they won’t really want to repeat that one as well._
_“So, the player appears happy with life at Newcastle and as long as Newcastle are competing at the highest level, I’m sure the player will be happy to stay as well._ _I’d expect those talks to progress over the coming weeks and months to see if they can secure a new long-term contract.”_
**Will Liverpool turn to Marc Guehi next summer?**
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Botman could be perfect for Liverpool, now being an experienced Premier League player and being lauded as “extraordinary” by [Eddie Howe](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/eddie-howe-dominic-solanke-spurs-newcastle-premier-b2673961.html), but they may have to look elsewhere.
In Marc Guehi, the Reds still have the ideal option, though, should he still view them as his club of choice next summer, having agreed a £35m move earlier this year.
Whatever happens, at least one centre-back is needed, if not two, should Konate and Gomez both move on, and Botman must be looked at as an addition until he actually commits his future to Newcastle.