Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has emerged as a target for Premier League rivals Aston Villa, according to The Daily Mail.
The Reds are facing another big overhaul in their squad, less than 12 months on from a club-record £450m spend in one transfer window.
Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah bid their farewells to the club last weekend and there is expected to be plenty more movement in and out of the squad before the transfer window closes.
At centre-back, Virgil van Dijk has just one year left on his contract while Ibrahima Konate's deal is up next month and an agreement has still not been reached to prolong his Anfield career.
Aston Villa eye Joe Gomez move
joe gomez
Villa are ready to pounce on Gomez's contract uncertainty to add further depth to their squad as they prepare to return to the Champions League.
Gomez has one year left on his deal at Anfield and The Daily Mail reports the defender's versatility appeals to Villa, who would be willing to do business if the price is right.
The defender is Liverpool's longest-serving player but he has struggled with injury for much of his Anfield career. He can play at centre-back and right-back and, when fit, has proven to be a reliable option.
Last summer, he was targeted by Crystal Palace as the Reds tried to sign Marc Guehi. At the time, Van Dijk branded Gomez as 'outstanding' and publicly called for him to remain at Liverpool.
Besiktas and AC Milan are also credited with an interest in the 29-year-old.
Liverpool must be cautious over potential Joe Gomez exit
Stade Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet in action with Paris St Germain's Bradley Barcola
Liverpool could be reluctant to sell Gomez to Villa this summer with their three most senior centre-backs out of contract within the next 12 months.
If Konate departs, the Reds will be down to four senior centre-backs. They signed Jérémy Jacquet in the January window, with the 20-year-old Frenchman to join up with the club ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
He has been out with an injury but is poised to be fit for the start of next season. Giovanni Leoni arrived at Anfield for £26m from Parma last summer but has spent almost the whole campaign sidelined by an ACL injury.
He sustained the blow in his debut for the Reds against Southampton and is unlikely to be fully fit for the new season.
Unless the Reds are planning further additions in defence, Villa could have a hard time convincing their Premier League rivals to sanction an exit for Gomez.
However, his injury record and contract situation do mean a sale is more likely compared to 12 months ago.
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