4 defenders Liverpool could sign this summer to replace Ibrahima Konate

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Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool this summer, which leaves the Reds with another transfer priority, although plenty of potential replacements have already been linkedIbrahima Konate will leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)With Ibrahima Konate leaving this summer, Liverpool will be losing a vital member of its squad, and one who would have almost certainly had a big role to play over the next few years.The defender will depart Anfield as a free agent when his contract expires next month, with talks over a new deal having broken down after nearly three years of negotiations, despite Konate himself indicating he was close to an agreement not too long ago.Liverpool now faces a big decision over what direction it takes in the transfer window this summer. With Jeremy Jacquet set to complete his move from Rennes, Arne Slot will still have four center-backs at his disposal.Relying on Jacquet, who turns 21 this summer, to immediately step up to the rigours of the Premier League is a big ask though, and with a 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni and an injury-prone Joe Gomez the only backup options to him and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool should be looking to replace Konate as a priority.Here, Liverpool.com has taken a look at some of the names that have already been linked with the Reds, and could step in to take Konate’s place…Micky van de VenOne of the most prominent names linked with Liverpool over recent months, the Reds' chances of landing Micky van de Ven have probably suffered from Tottenham surviving releagtion from the Premier League.Liverpool was linked with the Netherlands international before he made the move to north London, and if reports are to be believed, it has maintained its interest since then.Ben Jacobs recently told The United Stand that, given the choice, Van de Ven would choose a move to Liverpool over Manchester United.

However, with a price tag that has been reported to have been as high as $134 million, not to mention a patchy injury record, the Reds might see better value elsewhere.Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke have both been linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Jan Paul van HeckeHaving helped Brighton qualify for Europe, and earned a spot in the Netherlands' squad for the World Cup, Jan Paul van Hecke's stock is on the rise.The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool already this month, and Slot is said to be a fan of his, having tried to sign him while he was still manager of Feyenoord.With just a year remaining on his contract at Brighton, the opportunity to sign Van Hecke might present itself this summer. Recent reports have suggested a price tag of around $67M (£50M), which should be within Liverpool's capabilities.Nico SchlotterbeckAlthough Nico Schlotterbeck signed a new contract at Borussia Dortmund just over a month ago, he remains an option for a transfer this summer.

In fact, the new deal may have made him even more viable.Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer(Image: Getty Images)As part of the agreement, which has him contracted to Dortmund until 2031, a release clause has been included which would allow Schlotterbeck to leave the club for a fee between $58M and $70M. According to BILD, this clause is only available to three specific team, and Liverpool is one of them.The Reds have been linked with the 26-year-old a lot over recent months, and even the higher end of the release clause scale would be more than a fair deal for him.Joel OrdonezJoel Ordonez is a name that has been linked with Liverpool for some time now, and though a move wasn't made in January, the club may be keeping a close eye on him.The Reds hired a new scout to focus on Belgium and the Netherlands earlier this year, which may point to Club Brugge's Ordonez being of interest.The 22-year-old would be a bit more of a gamble compared to the other names on this list, but fans should get a closer look at him as he represents Ecuador at this summer's World Cup, which may push him further into the spotlight.