Liverpool still looking at Brazil international defender after deciding not to sign him in 2022

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Liverpool look set to make some changes in their back line over the coming year or two.

The Reds may find themselves needing replacements for stalwarts Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold as soon as this summer.

With both captain and vice-captain out of contract, Liverpool need to have succession plans in place.

There remains a chance that Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold sign on to stay at Anfield, with the centre-back seemingly the more likely as things stand.

As Virgil is now 33, though, he will need to be replaced sooner rather than later, anyway. Liverpool have identified Jorrel Hato as a potential candidate in that respect.

As for Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool may have a ready-made replacement already at the club in Conor Bradley. But according to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Reds are also looking at an outside hire.

Liverpool checking in on Vanderson

Bradley had another good performance for Northern Ireland on Friday. The 21-year-old is already an accomplished right-back.

However, there have been some signs this season that Bradley is not quite ready to step up should Alexander-Arnold leave.

And speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, transfer expert Bailey says that Liverpool are doing their ‘due diligence’ on other options as well, including on Brazil and Monaco right-back Vanderson.

“They are 100 per cent doing their due diligence,” he says. “[Jeremie] Frimpong is a player they like a lot, but so does most of Europe.

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“I know they’ve checked on Vanderson, they are looking around and seeing what options are out there and they’ve done their work on him, they know he’s available.

“They were one of the clubs who looked at him before he arrived at Monaco, interestingly,” adds Bailey.

“They decided not to go for him then, but he’s settled in well into European football and I certainly think he would be part of the conversation if Alexander-Arnold does leave and they do have to find someone to come in and help fill the void.”

Vanderson ticks the boxes for Liverpool

Liverpool have had a scouting presence in Brazil for a little while now. However, the Reds do tend to prefer players to make an in between step from South America to Europe before firming up interest.

In that respect, a move for Vanderson would make a lot of sense. The 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength since joining Monaco from Gremio in January 2022.

Still young and now a full, four-cap Brazil international, Vanderson looks primed to take another step forward in his career.

Clearly, replacing Alexander-Arnold would still be an enormous ask for any player, but in our opinion Vanderson does tick the necessary boxes.

Frimpong is obviously another to watch out for, but given the long-standing interest in Vanderson, he should not be discounted either.