Liverpool are now involved in an intense race to sign a "world-class" star, with FSG eyeing a statement signing in the summer transfer window.
Reds exploring move for new centre-back
Arne Slot recently made it clear he is hoping Ibrahima Konate will choose to commit to a new contract, with the defender's current deal set to expire at the end of the season, and the manager confirmed that negotiations are now underway.
Slot said: "We are in talks with him, so that tells you what we want. It's clear we would like him to stay, but negotiations are ongoing, so let's see where that ends. We wouldn't be in negotiations if we didn't want him to stay."
However, even if Konate chooses to extend his stay at Anfield, the Reds may still need to bring in a new centre-back this summer, given that Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez's current contracts are due to come to an end in 2027.
Of course, Van Dijk in particular, has been a fantastic servant, making 358 appearances since arriving from Southampton, but the captain is set to turn 35 in the summer, and a younger centre-back has now been identified as a target.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Liverpool are now exploring a move for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, with FSG eyeing a statement signing, but they will have to win an intense race for his signature.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Barcelona are also credited with an interest in the Italian, and it could take a huge fee to tempt Inter into a sale, given that they are expected to hold out for up to €100m (£88m).
bastoni-inter-milan
Inter are working on extending Bastoni's contract until 2030, with his current deal set to expire in 2028, which means they will still be in a strong negotiating position this summer.
"World-class" Bastoni could be exciting Van Dijk heir
Van Dijk remains very important to Slot, appearing for 2,520 minutes in the Premier League this season, which is more than any other Liverpool player, but given his age, the manager needs to start thinking about a long-term replacement.
The Inter Milan defender could be up to the task, given that he is regarded as "world-class" by journalist Matteo Bonetti, and he shares some similar qualities to Van Dijk, particularly impressing with his passing ability in the Serie A this season.
Key stats this season (league only) Virgil Van Dijk Alessandro Bastoni
Average match rating (FotMob) 7.26 7.55
Accurate passes per 90 68.5 63.2
Accurate long balls per 90 4.3 4.9
Both centre-backs have been ranked among the best centre-backs in the world, with Liverpool's captain being pipped to top spot by a fellow Premier League star...
Bastoni could be a like-for-like long-term replacement for Van Dijk, and at just 26-years-old, he should have a number of years left at the top level.