Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back during the summer transfer window after it was confirmed that Ibrahima Konate would be leaving the club.
Konate departed Anfield and looks set to join La Liga side Real Madrid in the summer, with his contract at Liverpool expiring.
The French defender has been a mainstay in Liverpool's defence in recent years, partnering Virgil van Dijk under both Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp.
Konate has struggled for consistency at times, and Liverpool may have been looking to bring in a replacement this summer regardless. Konate's departure has certainly pushed it higher up their priority list.
The Reds do have Jeremy Jacquet arriving this summer, after he was signed in January. It remains to be seen whether he will come in and be a guaranteed starter.
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According to a report from Sports Boom, Liverpool have identified Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni as their ideal replacement for Konate heading into the summer transfer window.
The Merseyside club are believed to feel that Bastoni is open to a fresh challenge after spending his whole career in Italy so far.
Bastoni is intrigued by the prospect of testing himself in England, potentially opening the door for Liverpool to make a move to secure his signature.
It's claimed that Bastoni is likely to cost in excess of £70 million, with Inter hoping to keep hold of him this summer.
Liverpool are now expected to test Inter Milan's resolve as they prepare to make a move to sign the Italian defender.
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Bastoni The Ideal Replacement for Liverpool
Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni vs Juventus
Bastoni could be the ideal replacement for Konate at Liverpool for multiple reasons.
The Italian defender, described as elite, has been labelled the best defender in the world previously, and there's no doubt he's up there with the best.
Bastoni is also left-footed, meaning he can provide balance in the back four alongside Van Dijk.
Having a left-footed defender as part of a defensive pairing is very beneficial, something Liverpool haven't had the luxury of in recent years.
Bastoni is incredibly comfortable on the ball whilst also being a powerful, tough-tackling defender. There's an argument to suggest that not only would he be a competent replacement for Konate, he would also be an upgrade.