Premier League champions Liverpool host a revitalised Leeds United side on New Year’s Day.
Arne Slot’s side have struggled in their defence of their Premier League crown, but a recent run of three wins and two draws has allowed the Reds to move back into the top four.
While Liverpool still sit ten points behind leaders Arsenal, the Merseyside outfit are now on course to qualify for the Champions League next term.
Away from the action, it appears that Liverpool are plotting a huge bid for one of Serie A’s most impressive defenders.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, via TEAMtalk, the Reds have identified Inter Milan centre-back Andrea Bastoni as a prime target and are preparing an £83 million offer for the player.
Bastoni has attracted the interest of Liverpool (Photo: Sipa US/Alamy)
It is claimed that Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, are contemplating an offer of £83 million for the Italy international, who has developed a fine reputation over the past few years.
If Liverpool can agree a deal for the central defender, it would make Bastoni the most expensive defender in football history, breaking the current record of £80 million that Manchester United paid to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City.
Bastoni joined Inter from fellow Italian side Atalanta back in 2017 and has since had loan spells with his former side, as well as Serie A outfit Parma.
In total he has now made more than 275 appearances for Inter across all competitions, including 20 so far this term.
The Italian is under contract at Inter until the end of the 2027/28 campaign, but it appears that Liverpool could attempt to lure him away from the club next year.
It is claimed, however, that a move in January is unlikely, with next summer a more likely timeframe for a potential deal.