Liverpool could get £9m discount on 'tough-tackling' defender this summer as he prepares for move - journalist

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Reported Liverpool target Castello Lukeba is set to be on the market this summer as the Reds look to further bolster their defence.They may have already secured the signature of Jeremy Jacquet ahead of the off-season, but Liverpool could still need to account for the departure of Ibrahima Konate as well.Konate is continuing in contract discussions with the Reds as his agreement speeds towards its conclusion, and while fans are split on whether the Frenchman should be signed up again, German journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that RB Leipzig’s Lukeba is keen to finally get his big move. Is it time for Liverpool to move on from Ibrahima Konate?

Would you be too disappointed to see him leave this summer?Credit: Burak Basturk/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images Lukeba available for £60mLukeba has been linked with Liverpool plenty of times over the past 18 months, with the Reds clearly holding an interest in the 23-year-old.With a new centre-back still potentially in their sights this summer, Plettenberg took to X on Wednesday to report that Lukeba is likely to be available for even less than his £69m release clause.“Castello Lukeba is open to taking the next step in the summer,” he says.“Several top clubs are closely monitoring the 23 y/o left-footed centre-back from RB Leipzig. Contract valid until 2029.”Photo by Inaki Esnaola/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms if Alisson wants to stay at Liverpool beyond this summer“Max Eberl is still a big admirer and has been monitoring him for FC Bayern, but a move currently appears unrealistic (Kim, price, etc.).”Liverpool still in discussions with KonateJust as Plettenberg was declaring news of Lukeba’s likely departure, Liverpool fans were given an update on the status of Konate and a possible extension at Anfield.As journalist David Ornstein reported on The Athletic FC Podcast, there is seemingly some hope that the Reds’ No.

Credit: Arife Karakum/Anadolu/Anadolu/Getty Images “I think there’s constructive conversation around that one,” he said. If the 26-year-old signs on, there is no need for Liverpool to take advantage of Lukeba’s availability.