Liverpool look virtually certain to enter the transfer market to sign a new right-back this summer.
The Reds have plenty to do in the window, with a centre-forward and a left-back perhaps highest on the list of priorities.
But with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to walk out on Liverpool to join Real Madrid, a replacement for the Scouser is also likely to be sourced.
Conor Bradley looks capable of stepping up to play a bigger role, but with his injury history and relative youth, Liverpool have a decision to make over Bradley.
At the very least, Arne Slot will have to bring in competition for the Northern Irishman, with the recruitment team set for a choice between buying an established starter or a younger player to devlop.
As Slot and Richard Hughes ponder that question, journalist Graeme Bailey says Newcastle striker and top target Alexander Isak could yet play a part in the final decision at right-back.
Liverpool yet to decide on right-back plan
Neither Liverpool, Real Madrid nor Alexander-Arnold himself have yet acknowledged that the 26-year-old will be joining the European champions this summer.
But barring an incredible U-turn, that is what will happen. Liverpool will already be planning for that.
And as they prepare to lose their starter of eight years, Bailey says which direction Liverpool head for a replacement will partly be down to the budget this summer.
“There’s a conversation going on and they’re looking at the options,” the reporter exclusively tells Rousing The Kop.
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“They’re probably working out the balance sheets, who’s the new left winger going to be, can they get Isak and if they get Isak it’s going to be £120m, and they’re probably just doing the figures.”
“They’re getting a new left-back in, do they let Quansah or Gomez out. Bradley’s still there. If they went into next season with those three and Bradley stays fit, they’ll be thinking they might be fine.”
Liverpool pondering three right-back options
Clearly, the budget always plays a big part in how any club approach the transfer window. It stands to reason that if Liverpool spend £120m on Isak, they may look to save some money at right-back.
However, this is not the only consideration. Bradley is a genuine option for Slot, but the Liverpool head coach must decide whether he is good enough to be in the starting XI full-time, or whether an improvement can be found.
As Slot and the team weigh that up, Bailey has put forward three more expensive options who Liverpool are known to be looking at.
“Jeremie Frimpong’s a player who Liverpool and Manchester City are both into, we know that,” he says.
“Liverpool have looked at Wesley [Franca, of Flamengo], but he wouldn’t be cheap. I think Wanderson might be one to keep an eye on, Richard Hughes liked him before when he was at Bournemouth. He wouldn’t be massively cheap but he’d be cheaper than Frimpong.”
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