Liverpool may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, as Sport reports of uncertainty surrounding a possible switch to Barcelona.
The Reds were recently linked with Bastoni as a replacement for club captain Virgil van Dijk, who is approaching the final year of his contract at Anfield.
However, with Barcelona seemingly favourites for a switch, a move may have seemed unlikely, with the defensive ranks seemingly set for next season.
A possible U-turn could be on the cards for the Spanish giants, which could change everything for Arne Slot and Liverpool in the market.
Barcelona frustrated at Liverpool target Alessandro Bastoni
Alessandro Bastoni
Previous reports claimed that Bastoni was the number one target for Barcelona this summer, but that deal may now be in jeopardy.
That's because Spanish outlet Sport reports that Barca are "disappointed" with the defender and his representatives for not pushing hard enough to lower the asking price being set by Inter Milan.
The Italy international was claimed to be waiting for the outcome of the Serie A title race, which was secured over the weekend as his Inter side lifted the Scudetto.
At least €60 million (£51.8 million) has been set out as the asking price by Inter Milan for Bastoni, which has made the situation "complicated" for Barcelona, who are unwilling to pay a huge transfer fee.
That may hand an advantage to Liverpool in the transfer race for the centre-back, given that the transfer fee is more than affordable to a Premier League club with their revenues.
It remains to be seen whether either club will push on with a move, with Barcelona being linked to Cristian Romero as a backup option, while Slot may have his centre-back ranks sorted for the coming season.
Do Liverpool need another centre-back?
van dijk liverpool
Liverpool's back line hasn't been at its strongest this season, but the addition of Bastoni this year may only add further problems to Slot's plate when it comes to balancing the squad.
Virgil van Dijk has one year remaining on his contract, while reports state that Ibrahima Konate is set to sign an extension to his deal that will secure his future at Anfield.
Add to those two the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, the return of Giovanni Leoni from injury, and a year remaining on the deal of Joe Gomez, and there is clear depth available.
Throwing Bastoni into the mix means six players would be fighting for two positions, making for a slightly awkward scenario.
Perhaps in a year, if Van Dijk decides to make a move along with Gomez, then finding an immediate replacement for the club captain will be necessary.
But for now, the balance may be right for the coming season.
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