Liverpool’s summer recruitment could revolve around their defensive options following a difficult year with injuries.
Jurgen Klopp went into the season with three centre-halves in his squad, all of which have been sidelined for lengthy periods.
The absence of Virgil van Dijk has been the biggest blow and exposed the Reds’ defensive frailties.
Ozan Kabak was one of the men bought in as cover, but the Merseysiders have to decide whether or not to sign him permanently this summer.
They could also look to reignite interest in some of there other January targets.
Here are the latest transfer rumours coming out of Anfield.
Botman maintains Reds interest
Lille’s Sven Botman has conceded he “would be lying” if he said he didn’t think about Liverpool’s interest.
He could be about to claim a Ligue 1 winners medal in the coming weeks but was linked with an Anfield switch in the New Year.
“It is a good compliment when you hear these clubs are interested,” he told The Athletic .
“I’m lying if I say it’s not interesting me — it’s the first time such big clubs are linked to me — but it was early days because in January I was only at Lille for half a season.
“It was nice to hear but I was focusing on Lille and I’m still doing this.”
Kabak a no go
Liverpool have opted against signing Kabak on a permanent deal, reports The Sun .
The defender moved to Anfield on loan from Schalke in January, but the Reds won’t be utilising the £18m purchase option.
Jurgen Klopp doesn’t believe he will be able to offer Kabak regular minutes once Virgil van Dijk arrives with other centre-halves on his radar.
The 21-year-old therefore looks set for a return to Germany.
(Image: GETTY)
Pastor race hots up
The Liverpool-linked Alfonso Pastor could be the subject of a transfer war as Real Madrid and Barcelona eye the goalkeeper according to AS .
Sevilla’s shotstopper is set to become a free agent at the end of June and has no shortage of interested parties.
The Reds will need to table a strong offer to secure his signature with Atletico Madrid and Villarreal also both keen on Pastor.
