Liverpool want £74m Bundesliga player this summer and plans are ‘already underway’ for a transfer

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Liverpool need to begin formulating their transfer plans as what promises to be a busy summer window edges ever closer.

The Reds have been quiet in the transfer market over recent times, but that looks set to change at the end of the season.

Much will depend on how many out of contract players vacate the Liverpool squad, but regardless of whether Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah or Trent Alexander-Arnold leave, the Reds need to do business.

As Rousing The Kop revealed on Thursday, Liverpool players are growing unsettled over Van Dijk’s situation in particular and if the captain does depart, he is going to leave a huge gap.

Even if Van Dijk ends up staying put, Liverpool need to start planning for life without the Dutchman at some stage.

And as they scour Europe for the answer, their interest in RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba has been reiterated.

Plans underway for Castello Lukeba move

Lukeba was linked with Liverpool just before the Reds played Leipzig in this year’s Champions League back in October.

The French defender was not especially good during that game, but is highly rated in Germany.

And according to journalist Christian Falk, plenty of Europe’s top sides are circling Lukeba ahead of an anticipated summer departure.

“Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have Castello Lukeba on their radar,” Falk writes in his Fact Files column.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s chances of signing Matheus Cunha rated after Virgil van Dijk gives seal of approval

“The Leipzig defender extended his contract until 2029 in October – but plans are apparently already underway for a potential transfer in the summer.

“Lukeba and his agents have their sights set on a move to Real Madrid,” Falk adds. “Following the contract extension, the 22-year-old’s release clause will be €90m [£74.4m] for the upcoming transfer window.”

Liverpool best leaving Lukeba for Madrid

Lukeba is potentially attractive to Liverpool because he is also capable of playing at left-back. However, the 22-year-old does look like more of a centre-back in the long run.

Wherever his best position, we’re not sure Liverpool will be looking to snap him up for such a high fee.

As the Reds have found out in the past, Leipzig do like to stick to their release clauses and as a result, Lukeba is going to be incredibly expensive.

With the player himself seemingly keen on joining Real Madrid, Liverpool can save themselves the hassle and drop out of this race.

Obviously, it’s going to take something special to replace Van Dijk whether it’s this summer or in the future. But we don’t think Lukeba is the man to do it.