Liverpool's two-man Van Dijk replacement shortlist REVEALED

Liverpool have been rock solid at the back under new head coach Arne Slot, and the Reds are reaping the rewards.

In their opening seven Premier League matches, Liverpool have only conceded twice, and they have looked well-organised as a unit.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been praised for his defensive improvement under Slot and Ibrahima Konate has recertified himself as the first-choice partner for Virgil van Dijk.

Despite the defence’s strong start to the season, Liverpool may now be looking for reinforcements to future-proof their backline in case out-of-contract Van Dijk were to leave at the end of the season.

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Liverpool’s interest in Bade and Inacio

CaughtOffside are reporting that Seville’s Loic Bade and Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio are emerging as the two favoured options to strengthen Liverpool’s backline next summer.

The report states that Bade has a £42 million release clause in his contract but that the Reds may be able to secure his services for less than that fee.

Inacio could demand a much higher fee than Bade but is still a player that Liverpool are interested in.

Liverpool’s interest in both Bade and Inacio stretches back to the summer but pair seem to have been identified above some of the other targets the Reds have been linked with, including Gleison Bremer.

Do Liverpool need defensive reinforcements?

As mentioned above, Van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season and as things stand will be leaving Anfield on a free transfer.

Negotiations are reportedly underway to try and agree an extension for the Liverpool captain but progress seems to be stalling.

On top of the potential departure of Van Dijk, Joe Gomez has only played a bit-part role for the Reds since the arrival of Slot and, after nearly leaving last summer, he could also depart Merseyside next summer.

This double departure would leave Liverpool with a clear need for reinforcements but the signing of a young centre half such as Bade, 24, or Inacio, 23, could be a smart addition regardless of whether Van Dijk extends his stay at Anfield.

Both players would provide good competition at Liverpool and their addition would likely be welcomed by supporters even if there are no defensive outgoings.