Fabrizio Romano provides update on Liverpool interest in Sao Paulo star

Liverpool are not in negotiations for Sao Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds' interest in strengthening the defence is well known.

After a summer midfield rebuild, the 2024 priority is likely to be on finding recruits to deepen Jurgen Klopp's options at the back, with a left-sided centre back high on the agenda.

With Joel Matip's contract set to expire next summer and Ibrahima Konate's fitness a recurring concern, there may even be a need for a several new faces in defence.

Many names have been mentioned as potential targets for the Reds ahead of the January window, with 19-year-old Beraldo among one of the more recent links.

Last month, it was claimed that Liverpool had scouted the Brazilian on several occasions, while reports over the weekend even suggested that club chiefs would fly out to Sao Paulo for talks over the £20m-rated starlet.

However, despite some the latest rumours, Romano insists there is 'nothing concrete' in the Beraldo speculation, with the youngster 'probably' not ready for a club like Liverpool.

“There has been talk of Liverpool being interested in signing Brazilian youngster Lucas Beraldo from Sao Paulo," the transfer reporter told Caught Offside. "However, I’m not hearing anything – not aware of that or of any negotiations for him at this stage.

“Liverpool are always linked with many players but there’s nothing concrete so far. He’s very good player, a talented young centre-back. I like him, but I think he probably needs one more step before joining a super top club like Liverpool.”

90min previously reported that Wolves had seen a summer bid for Beraldo rejected by Sao Paulo, while European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Marseille and Monaco are also monitoring his progress.

In terms of other targets, Anfield Watch understands that Liverpool have been monitoring versatile Yukinari Sugawara (AZ) and Morten Frendrup (Genoa), who can both play in midfield or defence, while young centre backs Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP) and Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen) have also been scouted.