Liverpool are interested in striking a deal with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig over the signings of Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano, according to BILD Sport’s Christian Falk.
Additionally, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Anfield club are preparing to offer a new contract to influential defender Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool Interested in RB Leipzig Pair
Reds Have Already Contacted Upamecano Agent
French defender Upamecano has built up a stellar reputation internationally while on the books at RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old put in a series of impressive performances last season as Julien Nagelsmann led his side to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
That run would come to an end at the hands of French giants Paris Saint-Germain, but not before Upamecano had gathered the attention of a host of top clubs across Europe. Falk is reporting that Liverpool are joined by both Chelsea and Bayern Munich as having already been in touch with the player’s agent over a possible move for the young centre-back.
If Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were to succeed in luring Upamecano to Anfield, any move would likely occur in the summer transfer window. This is because the player’s £40 million release clause reportedly comes into effect at the end of the 2020/21 season.
Upamecano has continued to impress throughout the current campaign, making 14 appearances in the German top flight.
Klopp Also Wants to Bring in Konaté From RB Leipzig
It is also being reported that Reds boss Klopp is looking to bring Upamecano’s central defensive partner Ibrahima Konaté to Anfield as well. The 21-year-old is contracted at Leipzig until 2023 and has already made 86 appearances in all competitions for the club.
Additionally, Leipzig are yet to taste defeat in any Bundesliga match in which Konaté has featured this season. However, the defender’s season has been significantly curtailed by separate ankle and hip injuries.
Van Dijk to be Offered Contract Renewal at Liverpool
Away from developments relating to the transfer market, it is being reported that current Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is soon to be offered a contract extension by the club.
The Dutchman’s existing deal runs until 2023, but Fabrizio Romano has told CBS Sports that Liverpool are “focused” on ensuring that his long-term future remains on Merseyside.
Romano also stated that the club’s board “has plans to offer the Dutch defender [a] renewal of his contract, and the negotiations will begin in the coming months.”
Van Dijk currently remains sidelined by the severe knee injury suffered in a collision with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford last October.
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