LIVERPOOL could be forced to splash out on a new defender this summer after an injury-ravaged campaign.
Long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip left Jurgen Klopp without a single fit centre-back.
The Reds brought in reinforcements in the shape of Ozan Kabak on loan and Ben Davies from Preston during the January transfer window.
But Liverpool might be forced into transfer business at the end of the season, and here are five potential options.
Ibrahima Konate
The Reds are in pole position to land RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate for £33million.
A number of European clubs have been watching the French centre-back, 21.
But the Premier League champions are the only ones prepared to meet his buy-out clause.
Konate, 21, was on the bench for Leipzig in both Champions League games against Liverpool.
He is currently part of the France squad at the European U21 Championship.
He did not play in the 1-0 defeat by Denmark but started in the 2-0 victory over Russia.
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Ben White
The Brighton defender was linked with Liverpool in January before the Reds turned their attentions elsewhere.
White, 23, remains on the shortlist with the Reds keen admirers of the towering defender.
SunSport exclusively revealed in October how the Seagulls would demand at least £50million to let him leave.
The Reds asked about highly-rated White last summer but did not pursue a deal after being quoted a similar figure.
White has played 31 times for Brighton this season and helped Leeds to promotion during his loan spell last year.
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Ozan Kabak
The 21-year-old defender joined on loan in the January transfer window with the option to buy.
Liverpool can purchase him from Schalke for £18million in the summer.
Klopp will be keeping a close eye on how he handles himself at the centre of the Reds’ defence during the run-in.
Kabak has made seven appearances for the Reds since his loan move and is currently on duty with Turkey.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Liverpool have retained a long-term interest in the 29-year-old Senegal international.
SunSport revealed last month that Klopp is annoyed they failed to move for the Napoli defender in January.
Koulibaly, 29, never appeared a serious prospect as the Italian club’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, demanded a fee of £100MILLION.
The 29-year-old Senegal star has made 30 appearances for Napoli this season.
But with Napoli in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification, the club may be forced to offload Koulibaly for a reduced price.
Milan Skriniar
The Reds have retained an interest in Inter Milan’s 26-year-old Slovakian centre-back, according to reports in Italy.
Tottenham were also linked with the highly-rated defender in a proposed £45million deal.
He is in his fourth year with Inter Milan and has played a big role in their Serie A title charge this season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
