Liverpool have entered pole position in the race for a "top-class" Premier League player, moving ahead of Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
Reds looking to strengthen defence this summer
The Reds' title defence has been very disappointing, and Arne Slot's backline has been one of his main issues, with the Dutchman's side conceding 42 Premier League goals this season, which is more than the likes of Everton, Sunderland and Palace.
Former scout Mick Brown has been particularly disappointed by some of Ibrahima Konate's performances, and recently suggested the Frenchman is partly to blame for Slot's job insecurity.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot-3
Brown said: "Slot will face the brunt of the pressure, but he’s not the only one to blame. If you’re looking for the root of Liverpool’s demise from being champions last season to the position they’re in now, two main players stand out.
"First is the mistakes made by the centre-back, Konate, and his performances so far this season. It’s been a major concern for Liverpool, how weak they look defensively compared to before when they were almost impregnable, and his form is a big reason.
"Mohamed Salah is the other, and the fall he has had from the records he was breaking last season to now where he looks a shadow of his former self.
With Konate's contract currently set to expire in the summer, the Reds have been working on bringing in a new centre-back, and Jarell Quansah is among the targets, while they have also been identifying targets at left-back and right-back.
FSG ready to make move for "top-class" right-back
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are now in pole position in the race for RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who has spent the current campaign on loan at Sunderland, and FSG are ready to make a move.
The Reds are ahead of Villa, Tottenham, Palace and the Black Cats in the race for Geertruida's signature, and he could be available for £20m this summer, which would be an affordable fee.
The Dutch defender has been impressing throughout the campaign, featuring at right-back, centre-back and defensive midfield, and he received plaudits from journalist Josh Bunting courtesy of a solid display against Chelsea in October.
The 25-year-old has averaged 2.2 tackles per 90 in the Premier League this season, which is the third-highest number in the Sunderland squad, and more than any Liverpool player except Federico Chiesa.
Liverpool's top tacklers (Premier League 2025/26) Average per 90
Federico Chiesa 2.6
Curtis Jones 1.9
Ryan Gravenberch 1.8
Alexis Mac Allister 1.8
Milos Kerkez 1.8
As such, Geertruida could be a solid addition to Liverpool's defence, and £20m is very reasonable, but bringing in a new right-back shouldn't be a priority, with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley already on the books.