LIVERPOOL are reportedly in the hunt to sign Aissa Mandi in a bid to strengthen their title-winning defence.
The Real Betis star, who is entering the last year of his contract with the La Liga club, could be available for £10million.
Liverpool are rumoured to be keen on a bargain £10m deal for Real Betis star Aissa Mandi Credit: EPA
Media outlets in Spain suggest the Anfield giants are keeping a close eye on the Algerian international’s situation.
Estadio Deportivo reckon it would be “a miracle” if the 28-year-old agreed to extend his stay with his current club.
And Liverpool’s transfer chiefs are rumoured to be awaiting a possible opportunity to swoop and seal a bargain deal for the player.
The Algeria international, who was a target for Arsenal and Unai Emery last year, had a £27million release clause in his contract until last summer.
Mandi has made 29 appearances in Real Betis’ back four this term including captaining the side in their dramatic 3-2 loss to Barcelona in February.
And the club won or drew of 19 of the 29 games where the Algerian was part of their starting XI.
The versatile player has won plaudits for his pace, positional awareness and ability to play anywhere across the backline.
And his composure and ball-playing skills at the back are believed to have attracted the interest of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.
The Daily Mail claim the Liverpool boss sees Mandi as potential defensive cover for pacy fullback stars Andy Robinson and Trent Arnold-Alexander.
Mandi, who’s won plaudits for his defensive versatility is also rumoured to be a target for NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And with Dejan Lovren headed for the Anfield exit the versatile La Liga defender could be used as a back-up in Klopp’s central defence.
Liverpool could be facing competition for Mandi’s signature with Newcastle rumoured to be keeping tabs on the star.
With the Covid-19 pandemic hitting La Liga club budgets Betis could be up for selling the star this summer.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
