Liverpool are preparing to usher in a new era at Anfield this summer following a disappointing campaign, and plans are underway ahead of the transfer window opening.
The Reds fell to an 11th defeat in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon against Manchester United at Old Trafford, leaving the team six points above sixth-placed Brentford in the table with three games remaining to cling on to their Champions League place.
But the club are already looking ahead to the new season as they want to strengthen their squad and avoid a repeat of this campaign, with the club identifying a top star who could come in and claim a spot in the starting lineup for years to come.
Liverpool Want Bastoni Deal
Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni vs Juventus
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are eyeing up a move to sign Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni this summer as a long-term replacement for Virgil Van Dijk
Slot's side are on the verge of agreeing a new deal with Ibrahima Konate, while youngster Jeremy Jacquet has already signed from Rennes ahead of the new season. But while Van Dijk remains the club captain and under contract at Anfield for another 12 months, plans are in motion to begin planning for life after him.
The Italian is regarded as 'one of the best in the world' in his position and is expected to leave the Serie A side this summer amid strong interest from Barcelona and the Premier League, having helped the club to a third Italian championship this past weekend.
It's understood that Bastoni would be open to a move to Liverpool, and Liverpool want to bring in a left-sided defender, which has seen them adding him to their shortlist ahead of the window.
Liverpool Must Go Big on Van Dijk Replacement
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their second goal with Virgil van Dijk
A lot of the talk this summer has been about Liverpool replacing Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian set to leave when the season ends. But as much as they need to prioritise that, and other areas of the squad too, they should be planning ahead in the meantime.
Part of the reason behind the signings of Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili was to plan ahead for the eventual departures of Andy Robertson and Alisson, and now Liverpool must go again and ensure that Van Dijk is adequately replaced even before he goes, to ensure a smooth transition whenever it happens.
Bastoni would be a terrific signing, and while he'd be expensive, he's the type of player that it's worth spending big on to bring in proven quality and ability.
Arne Slot Related
Arne Slot Causes a Stir With What He Did As He Left Pitch After Man Utd 3-2 Liverpool
Footage has now emerged which captured Slot's actions after the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.