Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcement is quietly becoming one of the most pressing issues heading into the new season, and Brighton look to be attempting to snap up a transfer that could make a lot of sense for the Reds.
Ibrahima Konate is expected to be confirmed as a Real Madrid player imminently, leaving a significant gap alongside Virgil van Dijk.
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The Dutch captain, while still elite, will turn 35 as the campaign begins – and relying on him to anchor the defence across a full season carries obvious risks.
Beyond that, there are question marks rather than solutions. Giovanni Leoni is returning from a serious ACL injury, while Jeremy Jacquet is also recovering from a long-term shoulder issue.
Neither has played a single minute of Premier League football. That leaves Liverpool in a position where signing a young, high-upside centre-back would be smart.
Which makes recent developments around Luka Vuskovic particularly interesting.
According to BILD earlier this year in March, Liverpool have been keeping tabs on the highly-rated Tottenham defender.
The 19-year-old Croatian is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young centre-backs in Europe after an impressive loan spell at Hamburg, where he scored six goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances.
David Ornstein of the Athletic has reported that Brighton have submitted a £30million bid for Vuskovic, positioning themselves strongly to land the teenager. The Seagulls have built a reputation as one of the best development clubs in Europe.
Vuskovic himself is said to be open to that pathway, especially given his familiarity with head coach Fabian Hurzeler from his time in Germany.
From Liverpool’s perspective, this is exactly the type of deal they should be all over.
A £30m fee for a player with Vuskovic’s ceiling – already a senior Croatia international and World Cup squad member – looks reasonable in today’s market.