Liverpool transfer targets NAMED as Joe Gomez exit hangs in the balance

Late in the window, a variety of targets to bolster Liverpool’s squad in the event of Joe Gomez’s departure have been named.

It’s been well-publicised that the areas the Reds were targeting in terms of reinforcement this summer have not really been addressed, with a combination of either being snubbed such as in the Martin Zubimendi saga or refusing to overspend, such as the situation which saw Leny Yoro end up at the other end of the M62 in Manchester.

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Instead, with the signings of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa, Liverpool look to have future-proofed one position and added a quality rotation option in the forward line. Whilst no doubt impressive business when value for money is considered, it still doesn’t address the areas many believe need strengthening.

As we enter the final few days of the transfer window, two particular defensive targets have been named in reports that cite Liverpool as holding long-term interest.

Who might Liverpool be targeting?

The first name of note would be Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, who has been a key part of Xabi Alonso’s side and is capable of playing as a central defender or as a left back. Liverpool allegedly had an approach in January turned down, and they’re not the only Premier League club interested as rumours persist that Manchester United and Tottenham are also monitoring Hincapie’s situation.

With a reported £50m price tag, and given the 22 year-old’s contract runs until 2027, it would be a relatively pricey option.

Another, perhaps more achievable target, would be RB Leipzig’s French centre-half Castello Lukeba. With concrete reports that a previous Liverpool target in Antonio Silva is off to Leipzig, that could mean that the German club are more willing to listen to offers for Lukeba, another name that has long been linked with Liverpool.

Both Hincapie and Lukeba would be a similar price, have similar contract lengths and are almost the same age. Hincapie is perhaps a touch more versatile in that he is capable of playing a second defensive position, but both players absolutely fit the left-footed centre back profile Liverpool are believed to be chasing.

There has also been further reporting that the Reds are tracking Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, although it should be noted that these options would almost certainly have higher asking prices than either of Hincapie or Lukeba, with Branthwaite having had a move to Manchester United already fall through this summer as they weren't willing to meet Everton's reported £80m asking price.

Of course, some of the inaction so far in this area of the pitch is almost certainly down to the fact that Joe Gomez remains a Liverpool player despite concrete interest from Crystal Palace. Whilst the Palace route remains a valid one, and it has been known for some time that if Gomez were to leave he’d like it to be to a London club, his potential exit is by no means definite.