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The summer transfer window might have only shut two weeks ago, yet planning for future markets seems to be going ahead for Liverpool already.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are all currently on track to leave Liverpool as free-agents with their contracts due to expire at the end of this season, with the trio not even close to signing new deals with the Reds.

With Paul Merson telling Liverpool to secure Salah’s future over Van Dijk’s, there’s a realistic chance that one of the three superstar players leaves Anfield next summer, with Alexander-Arnold linked with a move to Real Madrid.

And Liverpool seem to be looking at a player who could replace Van Dijk next year.

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According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are monitoring Sevilla defender and France international Loic Bade as a potential replacement for Van Dijk if the Anfield captain was to leave next summer.

With a release clause worth £42m, Bade would be a sensible option for Liverpool given how impressive the 24-year-old defender has been this summer, with the centre-back rewarded with a France call-up in this month’s international break.

READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk from his tattoo to net worth

Should the unthinkable happen and Van Dijk opts to leave Liverpool, Bade would be a suitable signing for Liverpool, especially alongside fellow France international Ibrahima Konate with Jarell Quansah coming through.

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And at £42m, Bade could be a potential bargain signing for Liverpool, with the La Liga star seemingly readymade for the Premier League having thrived in Spain for Sevilla in the last year.

Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images

Even if Van Dijk ends up staying at Liverpool beyond this season, the Reds are in need of another signing or two in central defence, and Bade could be a top pick for Slot as a way to flesh out his options at the back.

At 24-years-old, Bade is yet to hit his peak and looks like an ideal player to thrive in the Premier League for a top club like Liverpool, where the defender will be surrounded with familiar faces in Konate.

And at £42m, Liverpool can’t go too wrong on the transfer fee, with Bade a player who could also jump at the chance to join a club as big as the Reds if an offer was to be made next year.

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