Sources: Liverpool to follow Jeremy Jacquet transfer with another ‘major’ new deal
Liverpool are set to add another “major” centre-back signing to their ranks alongside Jeremy Jacquet this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Reds’ recruitment team feel that the squad has an imbalance at the centre of the backline, and they are hopeful of being able to adequately address that issue ahead of next season.
Liverpool have already agreed to sign 20-year-old Jacquet from Rennes for £60million, and sources say that further defensive reinforcements are a key priority.
The futures of Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are uncertain, and Giovanni Leoni’s long-term injury has left the Merseysiders lacking depth in the centre of defence all season.
- Read More: Exclusive: Murillo frontrunner named in Chelsea and Liverpool race to agree Nottingham Forest deal
Which centre-backs are Liverpool targeting?
Football Insider revealed last week that Chelsea currently hold the edge over Liverpool in the race to sign Murillo, although the Merseysiders remain a firm contender.
The pair of Premier League giants have both got their eyes fixed firmly on the Nottingham Forest star, whose future has been placed under serious scrutiny amid their ongoing relegation battle.
The 23-year-old has been a key figure for the East Midlands outfit in recent years, but is adamant that he does not see himself as a Championship player, and could look to move on if they are relegated.
Football Insider also revealed earlier in February that Liverpool are also contemplating the idea of triggering their buy-back clause for Jarrell Quansah this summer.
The academy graduate was sold to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for £35m last summer, but the Merseysiders may look to bring him back to his boyhood club as part of their defensive rebuild.
Will the Reds make a move for Antonio Rudiger?
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool have no plans to make a move for Antonio Rudiger this summer, despite recent links emerging in relation to the Real Madrid defender.
The 33-year-old is out of contract in the Spanish capital at the end of the season, and that has prompted speculation of a return to the Premier League with either Liverpool or Tottenham.
However, it has already become clear that Arne Slot’s side will not be taking their interest to the next level, with Rudiger deemed to be too old for the next stage of their project.
With the German not seen as a genuine option for Liverpool, their new additions will have to come from elsewhere if they are to get the defensive reinforcements that they desire.