Liverpool are facing an injury crisis at the back with Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez sidelined, while Ibrahima Konate continues to deal with a family matter
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Dayot Upamecano.
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Dayot Upamecano.(Image: PA)
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The transfer window is approaching its final days and Liverpool are under mounting pressure to bolster their defensive ranks. The Reds are grappling with an injury crisis at the back, with Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez all unavailable, whilst Ibrahima Konate remains absent dealing with a family situation.
Arne Slot is coming under scrutiny amid rumours suggesting legendary midfielder Xabi Alonso could replace him in the Anfield hot seat. Liverpool were in Champions League action on Wednesday as they welcomed Azerbaijan minnows in their final Group stage encounter, but domestically, their prospects of securing top-four qualification are being threatened by Manchester United and Chelsea.
Liverpool return to Premier League duties against Newcastle United on Saturday (8pm kick-off), but by that point, they will have merely 48 hours remaining before the window closes until the summer.
With that in mind, the ECHO has examined the latest transfer speculation surrounding the Reds.
Liverpool 'plot swoop' as contract talks stall
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, according to claims. Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg has made the remarkable assertion that the French centre-back is 'waiting' for the Reds and Real Madrid.
The defender's deal at the Allianz Arena expires this summer, enabling clubs to secure the seasoned centre-half without a transfer fee at the campaign's conclusion.
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Previous reports suggested Upamecano had begun contract discussions with Bayern, though negotiations are understood to have reached an impasse.
Plettenberg said: "Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer.
"Upamecano can sign it, [taking him until] 2030 or 2031. There's a release clause included from the summer of 2027. He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.
"But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon. But my opinion is he's waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid. Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that."
Reds linked with young midfielder
Italian publication Tuttomercato claims Liverpool are monitoring promising Norwegian talent Jens Hjerto-Dahl. The report suggests the Reds could potentially hijack moves for the 20-year-old prospect.
Hjerto-Dahl currently represents Eliteserien side Tromso, this season he has featured 30 times, contributing four goals and an equal number of assists in Norway's premier division.
The midfielder has already earned six caps at under-21 level and boasts over 100 senior appearances despite his young age. Tuttomercato suggests Besiktas are amongst the clubs monitoring his situation, with Liverpool also tracking his progress alongside other Premier League sides.
Italian top-flight clubs are said to be preparing moves for the midfielder, with Bologna and Lazio identified as possible destinations, and Hjerto-Dahl has drawn comparisons to Lazio legend Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who was frequently linked with Liverpool during his spell in Italy.
Tsimikas future latest
The Greek defender is presently on loan at AS Roma and was strongly linked with a potential return to the Reds amid speculation surrounding Andy Robertson. The full-back attracted attention from Tottenham Hotspur this month, but a transfer was prevented due to Liverpool's limited defensive options.
Whilst Robertson is expected to remain at Anfield, it hasn't ended speculation regarding his Greek colleague, as Roma are understood to be seeking fresh additions in their left-back department.
Besiktas are considering their alternatives and Liverpool have reportedly outlined transfer conditions, with discussions over a potential switch underway between the Turkish side and Tsimikas' advisors.