Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig centre-half Ibrahima Konate.

The news stems from a report by the reliable David Ornstein for The Athletic, in which it’s claimed the Reds are putting the finishing touches on a deal for the Frenchman.

Further to this, Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has stated Liverpool will offer Konate a five-year contract ahead of a move this summer.

Konate has a release clause which is reportedly just shy of £30million, as per BILD journalist Christian Falk, but there has been speculation about how accurate that number is.

Liverpool undoubtedly need defensive reinforcements this summer, especially with Ozan Kabak’s long-term future not certain and fellow January signing Ben Davies yet to make his debut three months down the line.

The Reds have struggled without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for much of the season – as any side would – and adding a fourth first-team option to Jurgen Klopp’s roster makes sense.