Liverpool are considering a move for Barcelona star Jules Kounde this summer to bolster their defence, according to Fichajes.
The Reds have had a mixed campaign so far, which has been littered with injuries, especially in defence, with all of Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni facing lengthy spells on the sidelines at different points of the season.
The club have already moved to sign young French defender Jeremy Jacquet for the summer in a deal worth £60m, and now it has emerged that they are also looking at other options to strengthen their back line ahead of the new season to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Liverpool Consider Mega Kounde Move
jules kounde
Liverpool currently have Frimpong and Bradley as their first-team right-back options following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid last summer, but both players have struggled with injury a lot this season.
That has led to star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai often deputising out of position, and now Anfield chiefs are considering spending money in the upcoming summer window in order to strengthen the position and stop that from happening in future.
The club have been keeping a close eye on the situation of France international Kounde, who has been a regular at the Camp Nou for several seasons now, but has recently lost his untouchable status among the club's hierarchy, as they have grown concerned with his consistency.
The 27-year-old is not being pushed out of the club, however, it is noted that Barcelona would now consider offers for him, and they believe that Liverpool are one of the Premier League clubs who would consider a deal worth around €80m (£70m) for him.
Liverpool feel that bringing in a player of his experience and quality could really help them to get back on track after a poor season this year, where they have failed to defend their Premier League crown miserably.
Kounde Would Be Major Coup for Liverpool
Jules-Kounde
When everyone is fit, Frimpong and Bradley are excellent options at right-back, but defensively there are question marks over both, and their injuries simply can't be ignored.
Kounde would come into the side and while he would immediately command the right-back spot as his own, he would also be able to provide cover at centre-back, which makes the £70m asking price a bit more bearable and understandable.
Whether it happens or not is a different matter, but the Frenchman would be a fantastic signing and would immediately improve Arne Slot's squad.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot before facing Barnsley in the FA Cup. Related
'Outstanding' Liverpool Star Tipped to Leave Amid 'Surprise' Contract Development
One 'outstanding' Liverpool star has been tipped for a summer exit away from Anfield after a 'surprising' contract development.