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Liverpool’s need for a central defender has become alarmingly clear as the summer has worn on.

Jarell Quansah completed a £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen, leaving the Reds with just Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez registered as senior centre-backs heading into August.

The situation is further complicated by Konate’s contract talks – while both player and club remain in discussions over fresh terms, no new deal has yet been signed, leaving his future at Anfield in the balance

Midway through pre-season, Joe Gomez was forced to withdraw from the tour of Asia with a minor Achilles problem, raising fresh doubts about his readiness for the season opener.

With Konate’s uncertainty and Gomez’s fitness already a concern before competitive fixtures begin, it is clear that Liverpool must secure at least one more centre-back before the summer window closes.

DaveOCKOP.com has been diligently reporting on the Marc Guehi situation, revealing all the way back in March of this year that the Reds made their interest clear to Marc Guehi and his representatives.

A key figure in England’s starting lineup throughout their run to the Euro 2024 final last summer, Guehi is determined to keep his place in the national team as he looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

We also revealed exclusive news that Guehi has reached personal terms with Liverpool, although the club is cautious about meeting Crystal Palace’s high asking price since the player is entering the final year of his contract.

While Newcastle United have shown interest in the defender, Guehi favors a transfer to Anfield as things stand.

But it seems Liverpool want insurance in the position.

Indeed, DaveOCKOP can now reveal that Toulouse and England U21 defender Charlie Cresswell is a name that is very much appreciated at Anfield.

He is firmly on the list as a back-up option for Liverpool should they not land Guehi in the final weeks of the window.

However, the recruitment team like the centre-back so much that he may potentially be signed in addition to Guehi – that’s how highly he is rated within Liverpool.

Cresswell joined Ligue 1 side Toulouse from Leeds United in July 2024 for a fee of around £3.8 million and has become a mainstay for the Occitan-based outfit since.

The 22-year-old racked up 34 appearances and scored four goals for Toulouse in all competitions last season.

He also played every minute at the recent U21 European Championship, including the final where England defeated Germany after extra time to retain the title.

The player is definitely one to watch heading into the rest of August as the transfer brains behind Liverpool’s activity this summer really appreciate the defender.

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