Liverpool want £69m deal for PERFECT defender

Liverpool need more defensive quality

Clearly this situation has got to improve in the next transfer window - but Liverpool are already looking a man down due to Ibrahima Konate’s expiring contract.

It also remains to be seen what the plans are for Gomez with only one year left on his contract. Therefore a long-term right-back or centre-back would make sense.

And one player tipped by the Spanish press to be of interest to the Anfield side in the summer - and crucially one who can play both positions - is Jules Kounde.

The Barcelona defender, 27, is contracted at Camp Nou until 2030 but could be made available owing to the league leaders’ precarious finances.

Fichajes claims an offer as high as €80m (£69m) could be coming from the Premier League - with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United all interested in the 46-cap French international.

Liverpool chasing deal for Jules Kounde

“The 27-year-old French defender is under contract until June 2030, but his place at the club is no longer considered secure,” the report reads.

“Barcelona needs to balance its books and isn't ruling out significant moves if the financial gain is substantial.

“In England, there are clearly a number of clubs with the financial resources to handle a transfer fee close to €80 million.

“Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all closely monitoring the situation of the French center-back.

“They are all looking to bolster their defense with a proven player, in his prime, and with experience in both La Liga and European competitions.”

Kounde is closing in on 200 matches for the Catalan giants but the report suggests that Hansi Flick is no longer convinced of his performances.

Therefore a parting of the ways could be on the cards - and Kounde would be an ideal candidate to come to Merseyside.

He could play as a traditional right-back - offering an alternative to Bradley and Frimpong who is in truth better as an attacking player.

And with Konate potentially leaving Konate could help Arne Slot transition into the post-Konate era thanks to his experience at the top level.