Liverpool open talks for GENERATIONAL £75m defender

Liverpool could soon be in the market for a new centre-back. It was one area sporting director Richard Hughes opted against strengthening in the previous two transfer windows despite obvious shortcomings in the position.

There is a huge burden on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as Joe Gomez remains injury-prone and doesn’t seem to have convinced Arne Slot of his abilities.

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Furthermore, promising young defender Jarell Quansah has slipped down the pecking order and hasn’t delivered on the potential he showed under Jurgen Klopp last season.

And that's before we mention the increasingly uncertain contract situation surrounding Van Dijk.

Among the names linked with an incoming transfer to Anfield recently has been Castello Lukeba, a 22-year-old French centre-back playing for RB Leipzig.

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Signed as a replacement for Josko Gvardiol in 2023, the Lyon-born stopper has gone on to establish himself as one of the most consistent defenders in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

Liverpool in contact with Lukeba's entourage

It was recently reported that Lukeba and his entourage have been eyeing up a “mega” transfer this summer with Real Madrid among the teams interested in acquiring his signature.

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But aside from Madrid, the biggest interest in Lukeba comes from the Premier League where Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have all taken note of his quality.

That’s according to a new report in Sky Sports Switzerland, which claims contact has ALREADY been established between those clubs and the player’s agents regarding a summer deal.

Lukeba signed a bumper new Red Bull contract back in October with a reported €90 million (£75m) release clause attached. He is contracted to the Leipzig side until 2029 but it’s believed he will depart sooner rather than later.

Lukeba described as 'generational' talent

A couple of years ago when he was still with Lyon in Ligue 1, Manchester United’s recruitment staff described Lukeba as a “generational player” in a missive to then-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils didn’t get a deal done for the French international, who could now be set for a move to Anfield.

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He is an elegant left-footed defender who could end up replacing Van Dijk in summer 2025 - should the Dutchman fail to renew his contract - or else be groomed to take over from the captain long-term should the 33-year-old end up renewing.

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