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Liverpool are exploring their options as they prepare to sign a new centre-back this summer, Rousing The Kop understands.

The Reds have not bought a senior central defender since Ibrahima Konate arrived in 2021, but this is set to change in 2025.

RTK understands Liverpool are doing their work on a number of different players, with a clear top target yet to be established by Richard Hughes and Arne Slot.

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Although speculation has continued over the future of Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool are planning to bring in a new centre-back regardless of what happens with their captain.

And RTK have been informed that while the Reds would ideally like to bring a younger player in to learn from Van Dijk, no firm decisions have yet been made.

Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

Slot currently has four senior options at centre-back for Liverpool, although Joe Gomez’s injury has reduced that to three of late.

And it’s understood that Gomez’s future at Anfield remains in doubt after an injury-hit season.

The 27-year-old almost left Liverpool last summer, and although he will not be forced out of the club, there is a chance he could leave.

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Dean Huijsen is understood to be one of the options being considered by Liverpool, with his representatives having made it clear that the 19-year-old will be available from Bournemouth.

However, while the Reds are admirers of Huijsen, they are also understood to be doing work on alternatives.

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Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio is still on Liverpool’s radar in that respect, as is Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, amongst others.

Meanwhile, RTK understands that reigniting a move for Chelsea’s England international Levi Colwill is yet to be ruled out.

The Reds have long-standing interest in Colwill and could return to try and tempt Chelsea into a sale.

With plenty of options potentially ticking the boxes for them, Liverpool are understood to be casting their net wide as they search for a new defender.

However, RTK have been informed that the Reds are unlikely to spend big on a target as things stand.

The likes of Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton are both admired, for example, but it is seen as improbable that Liverpool will spend the £70-80m needed to prise them away.

A move for Feyenoord’s David Hancko is also understood to be unlikely at this stage, despite rumours linking the Slovakian to a reunion with Slot at Anfield.
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