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Liverpool are weighing up a move for Nantes centre-back Nathan Zeze this summer, Rousing The Kop can exclusively reveal.

The Reds are in the market for at least one centre-back and are keen to target a young defender who can learn from captain Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool believed Bournemouth central defender Dean Huijsen was an ideal candidate, and felt that the Spaniard’s £50m release clause made him too good an opportunity to turn down.

Dean Huijsen agrees terms with Real Madrid ahead of £50m move from Bournemouth as defender completes first part of his medical	Exclusive: Liverpool keeping tabs on cup-winning centre-back after missing out on Dean Huijsen	Real Madrid set to beat Chelsea and Liverpool to Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen

However, while sources insist that Liverpool would have been in the driving seat had Huijsen opted to stay in the Premier League, the 20-year-old has since joined Real Madrid.

As a result, Liverpool’s focus has shifted.

RTK understands this has made a move for Zeze more likely.

Ironically, Bournemouth also have the 19-year-old on their shortlist to replace Huijsen.

But RTK have been informed that there is a feeling Liverpool could now ‘spoil the party.’

Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Zeze has had a breakout season for Nantes, playing 18 times and scoring once across all competitions.

This has alerted some of Europe’s top clubs to his potential, with an expectation that he will move on over the next 12 months.

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The Frenchman is far from the only name under consideration at Liverpool.

Fellow youngsters Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia and Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande are also being watched.

Meanwhile, as RTK revealed earlier this week, Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi is another on Liverpool’s radar as they consider their options.

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Liverpool’s interest in Zeze is not thought to be linked to the future of Ibrahima Konate, who is yet to sign a new contract with the Reds.

Just as Huijsen’s move to Real Madrid has ignited Liverpool’s interest in Zeze, it is likely to mean Konate is not on the agenda at the Bernabeu this summer.

As things stand, Liverpool are not understood to be actively looking to sell Konate before the start of the new season.

However, should they get an indication that the 25-year-old is not planning to sign an extension, they may yet invite offers for him.

Should a buyer then be found for Konate, RTK understands Liverpool would be looking for a second, higher-profile centre-back addition.

There is worry at Liverpool over Konate and sources have informed RTK that there is currently a ‘bad vibe’ around the ongoing situation.

The Reds remain hopeful of a solution, however, as they keep on the lookout for additions in the market.