Liverpool are interested in signing RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
With Jurgen Klopp’s side set for a rebuild, the club have gone about identifying their top targets for the window.
The Reds are placing the majority of their focus on the midfield, but it is also said they’re keen to land a defender as well.
Plettenberg seemingly confirms this news, sharing an update on Liverpool’s interest in the 21-year-old.
“As reported yesterday, Liverpool are interested,” the journalist wrote on Twitter.
“He’s on the list. It would be a great fitting.
“But I’ve been told that it’s not hot at this stage. No negotiations.
“Leipzig wants to keep him – 100%. Release clause in summer 2024 is around €110m [£98m].”
Liverpool want Gvardiol in the summer
The need for an additional centre-back has grown exponentially this season.
Last year, Joel Matip was absolutely brilliant next to Virgil van Dijk. He was consistently solid, and Klopp often looked towards the 31-year-old for a reliable defensive performance.
However, this term, Matip has been off the pace. He has looked nervous on the ball, and he has struggled to deal with some of the Premier League’s more physical strikers.
Furthermore, Joe Gomez has also struggled at times. In one match, he’s absolutely fantastic; then in the next, he looks like a completely different player.
This lack of consistency has cost the Reds on a few occasions, meaning he probably shouldn’t be a regular starter in Klopp’s XI.
Injuries to Ibrahima Konate have also caused concerns behind the scenes. The club certainly don’t have any problems with the 23-year-old’s progression, but his availability has become more of an issue in recent times.
Therefore, having emerged as a world-class talent in recent years, Gvardiol would be an unbelievable signing for Liverpool.
This would kick off their summer rebuild perfectly, creating the team’s spine for years to come.