Liverpool are now "in talks" to sign a replacement for Ibrahima Konate ahead of rival interest from Bayern Munich.
Liverpool reject Inter Milan's Curtis Jones move
For all the frailties in their squad this month, much of the Liverpool transfer rumours have been centred around potential exits as of late. Andy Robertson looked on the verge of a departure earlier this month, as Tottenham Hotspur came calling, only for things to the Reds to keep hold of their veteran defender. Now, exit rumours have been surrounding Curtis Jones. Rumours emerged on Friday evening that Inter Milan were in direct talks with Liverpool over a shock deal to sign their academy graduate. News quickly spread and there was some panic amongst Anfield regulars, before reports indicated that Liverpool will not be letting Jones leave this month.
With the exit door slammed shut, Liverpool could be in for a quiet month on all fronts. Arne Slot reiterated in midweek that those at Anfield won't back short-term decisions, telling reporters: “We not only look at the short-term, we look at the long-term. "It always depends on [if] there are players available that we think can help us and if they are can we afford them … and [if] it is also helpful for the longer-term future because our players come back from injury as well.”
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That means that the Reds are likely to wait until the summer before they welcome a reinforcement, which could yet include a much-needed central defender.
Liverpool now "in talks" to sign Jeremy Jacquet
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are now "in talks" to sign Jeremy Jacquet ahead of Bayern Munich this summer. It would be another move ahead of the German giants, who may need a defender themselves amid Dayot Upamecano's contract situation. The Premier League champions are in an ongoing battle with Chelsea and have established contact with Rennes and Jacquet's camp about a move.
It's a transfer battle which is becoming more and more urgent at Anfield. After missing out on Marc Guehi, Slot currently has just two centre-backs to choose from in Konate and Virgil van Dijk following another Joe Gomez injury.
It's not something which is going to improve anytime soon, either. If Konate leaves as a free agent in the summer, Liverpool with have Van Dijk, whose own contract is set to expire in 2027, an injury-prone Gomez and the young Giovanni Leoni to select. Signing Jacquet is a must.
Dubbed an "elite" passer by Como scout Ben Mattinson, the 20-year-old would instantly replace Konate and could even become an upgrade, given how the latter has struggled in recent months.