Liverpool make enquiry for Bayer Leverkusen's Odilon Kossounou

While signing a left-sided centre-back was talk of last summer, Liverpool are now turning their attention to the other side of their defence after Joel Matip's departure on a free transfer.

If reports are to be believed, one player shortlisted to fill that void name is Bayer Leverkusen's Odilon Kossounou.

The 23-year-old, who is open to a move to the Premier League, has yet to respond to a contract extension offer from the Bundesliga champions, according to CaughtOffside.

As new Liverpool coach Arne Slot begins his tenure, the Merseyside club are yet to make any additions to their squad this summer but securing a central defender is known to be a priority — and Kossounou is a player that Liverpool have identified as a potential target.

Primarily deployed as the right-sided central defender in a back three, Kossounou can also cover the right-back position.

Leverkusen open to selling Kossounou

Given the Ivorian's reluctance so far to sign a new deal, Bayer Leverkusen, who recently won their first-ever Bundesliga title, are open to selling Kossounou if a suitable offer comes in.

But as the player is currently contracted with Leverkusen until 2026, the Germans are seeking around €40 to €45 million for the defender and Liverpool, according to this report, have already made enquiries about a possible deal.

To facilitate the transfer, the Reds may be forced to sell Nathaniel Phillips and Sepp van den Berg, who are attracting interest from Trabzonspor and PSV, respectively.

That said, Liverpool aren't the only Premier League club interested in Kossounou. Newcastle United have also been monitoring the situation, with manager Eddie Howe reportedly a fan.

Despite ongoing contract extension negotiations with current defenders Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles, Newcastle's pursuit of Kossounou is expected to proceed independently.

Kossounou was been instrumental in Leverkusen's successful season, making 22 appearances and helping them secure the Bundesliga title without a single defeat.

He also played a key role in their runs to the DFB-Pokal and Europa League finals. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and his potential move to the Premier League is seen as a new challenge for the talented defender.