REUTERS/Peter Powell
Liverpool could further strengthen their defence and are firmly in the mix to sign one of the Premier League's most highly-regarded defenders.
The Reds signed young French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in January for £60 million and he officially arrived at Anfield earlier this summer. He has replaced Ibrahima Konate, who joined Real Madrid after his contract expired.
Jacquet is tipped for a bright future at just 20 years of age and looks likely to partner Virgil van Dijk in Andoni Iraola's defence. But the Merseyside outfit seems intent on adding a more experienced defender to their squad.
Liverpool Eyeing Aston Villa's Konsa
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Liverpool are reportedly targeting Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and while he isn't pushing for an exit, he is open to leaving Villa Park. That's according to CaughtOffside, who claim that Arsenal are also chasing the England defender following an impressive World Cup campaign.
Konsa has been vital for Unai Emery over the years and helped the Villans win the Europa League last season. He appeared 48 times across competitions, putting in many eye-catching performances.
Villa are believed to value Konsa at £60 million, a fee that Mikel Arteta's champions are unlikely to meet. There's no word on whether Iraola's Reds are willing to pay that amount, although they could be enticed by his versatility and experience.
The 28-year-old, dubbed "one of the best defenders in English football", can play at right-back if required, a role he occasionally took on during the World Cup. He has two years left on his contract but given Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans have left Villa Park, Emery may be eager to keep another of his high-profile stars.
Konsa May Be Ideal For Iraola
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Konsa could be an excellent addition to Iraola's squad and might be a perfect partner for Van Dijk. Liverpool have yet to find success replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold since he left for Madrid last summer.
Bringing the "excellent" Englishman to Anfield could help address that issue, as he can move to right-back while Jacquet partners Van Dijk. Iraola will want plenty of options ahead of his first campaign, which includes competing in the UEFA Champions League.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola
The main sticking point is Villa's asking price, as a £60m fee might be beyond what the Reds are willing to pay. They may also have to see off competition from Arsenal, whom he is said to be "interested" in joining.