Liverpool identify 'top priority' signing as focus shifts from Bradley Barcola
Liverpool are viewing the addition of a new "top-class" centre-back as their top priority ahead of the new Premier League season.
Andoni Iraola and the transfer team at Anfield have identified the position as a major weakness in his squad and are working behind the scenes to land top targets.
Ibrahima Konate’s departure, alongside concerns about Virgil Van Dijk's age and Jeremy Jacquet's lack of experience, could force the Reds into the transfer market.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool want to sign a “top-class” centre-back to address their growing defensive concerns.
Iraola assessed his squad following his appointment last month, and believes strengthening at the back will be key to any success Liverpool have.
Despite being heavily linked with a move to sign PSG star Bradley Barcola as their top target, the ongoing renovations of their defence are seen as more important.
Why do Liverpool want to sign a new centre-back?
Football Insider revealed in March that Liverpool are aiming to sign a new centre-back as part of Iraola’s plans to rennovate his squad during the summer window.
Concerns about their current options have been compounded after Joe Gomez suffered an injury during their pre-season victory against Sunderland on 26 July.
Liverpool are now hoping to have a deal done before their first Premier League game against Newcastle on 23 August, otherwise they will risk defensive issues.
"There's been lots of talk about attacking reinforcements at Liverpool," Brown told Football Insider.
"But from what I hear, their top priority is going to be bringing in another centre-back, because it's a position they want to adress before the Premier League season starts.
"Even last summer, they wanted to bring in a new defender and they wanted Marc Guehi, they missed out eventually but that hasn't changed their desire to sign a centre-back.
"When you look at their current options, Konate has moved on, Van Dijk is getting older and wasn't his usual self last season, then they've brought Jacquet in who is unproven.
"Joe Gomez is the other option, but after he picked up an injury in their pre-season game the other day, there's an even greater need to sign a new defender.
"The manager has assessed his squad, he knows what he wants, and the addition of a top-class centre-back is going to be crucial for them.
"I have no doubt they want to strengthen out wide and that's why Barcola is being spoken about, but they have to prioritise bringing in a centre-back, or they will be at risk."
Which centre-backs are on Liverpool's radar this summer?
After missing out on their top target Marc Guehi to rivals Man City in January, Liverpool have been forced to consider other options who may be available this summer.
The arrival of Jacquet, agreed in January and completed earlier this month, came as a boost, but they are determined to bring in at least one more centre-back.
Football Insider revealed in May that big names including the likes of Nico Schlotterbeck and Alessandro Bastoni have been discussed behind the scenes at Anfield.
The addition of a highly-regarded and experienced centre-back would be a huge boost to Iraola's plans, and there are growing hopes that a deal can be done.
They are not the only options on Liverpool's radar, however, with multiple targets from across European football still being assessed by the recruitment team.