Liverpool working on deal to sign brilliant ‘alternative’ to Marc Guehi
Liverpool have endured a disastrous run of form in recent weeks with concerns growing around Arne Slot’s squad in the season’s early stages.
Slot’s side lost 3-2 to Brentford last time out, raising more concerns about their consistency and stability, and they have now lost their last four league games.
Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea and Man United all took victories against the Reds, and questions have been asked of their key players as a result.
The main area of concern for Slot is in defence, where the usually-reliable duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have struggled to impress this season.
There is also a lack of depth in defensive areas, and as a result, Football Insider revealed Liverpool want to sign a new centre-back in January.
Liverpool set sights on Ezri Konsa ahead of January window
Ezri Konsa has been linked with a number of top clubs in recent weeks, but Liverpool are now considering the Aston Villa star among their defensive targets.
The Reds have been keeping close tabs on his situation at Villa Park and could be tempted to make a move as part of their mid-season transfer plans.
That is according to former Aston Villa senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his former club, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Konsa’s displays both for Villa and England have attracted a lot of high-profile interest.
“It’s no surprise these clubs are interested in Konsa,” he told Football Insider.
“Look at the top sides in the Premier League who could do with a centre-back, Liverpool will be watching him closely, so will Chelsea, and then the likes of Tottenham too.
“If he were to become available, that’s the level of team that would be after him.
“Whether he will be available is a different question, but his performances for Villa and more recently for England have shown he’s more than capable at the top level.
“It’s a testament to Villa’s recruitment that so many of their best players are attracting interest.
“In terms of Liverpool’s situation, I think Konsa would be an upgrade on what they’ve got, and if they can’t get Marc Guehi over the line, he’ll certainly be a capable alternative.”
Konsa’s performances both for Villa and England so far this season have resulted in high acclaim, with Troy Deeney labelling him “fantastic” for his display against Man City. [BBC]
Aston Villa stance on selling Konsa revealed
Football Insider revealed on 27 October that Aston Villa will not sell Konsa under any circumstances in the January transfer window as he remains a crucial part of their side.
Manchester City and Tottenham are among those to have reportedly expressed an interest in the England international, following his impressive start to the season.
With Liverpool now joining the race, Villa could be put under pressure to cash in on the defender, although it is not part of their plans for the mid-season window.
Unai Emery is determined to keep his best players at Villa Park after a frustrating summer transfer window, and will aim to deter any interest in his stars.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 26 October that Morgan Rogers is in advanced talks with Villa over a new contract to extend his stay.
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