With a contract extension for 33-year-old veteran defender Virgil van Dijk yet to be announced and the future of vice-captain England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold uncertain, Liverpool have shown interest in a new defender.
Many young centre-backs, not only in Europe but also in South America, appear in the media, only to be forgotten a few days later. Interest has been reported since last year, like Sporting defender Goncalo Inácio, but no concrete moves have been made.
According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Liverpool have listed Fiorentina defender Michael Kayode, who is emerging in Italy, as a possible acquisition in this winter transfer window.
The 20-year-old defender, who can also play at right-back, has been reportedly a target for English sides Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Brentford and Bournemouth.
He has been used at right-back most of the time for Fiorentina and has been on the pitch for more than 40 games so far. He has also made three appearances for Italy’s Under-21 national team, and the young defender from Borgomanero is gaining a growing reputation in the country.
Despite continuing to show his overwhelming talent, he has yet to secure a regular place in the team at present and there are doubts as to whether he will be able to play throughout the season. With Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah, both in their early 20s, waiting in the wings, there doesn’t seem to be much need for a youngster slot.
Will Liverpool implement reinforcements from Italy this winter?