Newcastle United are reportedly weighing up a move for a Liverpool defender who has struggled to insert himself into Arne Slot’s plans thus far.

The Dutchman has preferred the ever-reliable partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, as the pair enjoyed another successful season at Liverpool that saw the club win their second Premier League title in five years.

Such a decision made sense from Arne Slot, and the opportunity to pick his strongest eleven for the majority of the season was helped by the decrease in injuries the team have suffered this campaign.

However, because of this, the other defenders find themselves watching from the side-lines, something that has become an increasing frustration as the season has developed.

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Jarell Quansah impressed Arne Slot during pre-season, leading to the young English centre-back earning a start in Liverpool’s first Premier League game of the season against Ipswich Town.

But the defender was substituted at half-time, as the first real sign of Slot’s ruthlessness was demonstrated.

Following that, Quansah did not start another league game until after the league title was wrapped up, as he started at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in May.

His appearances were mostly limited to stints off the bench or temporary right-back cameos as a result of an injury crisis.

Joe Gomez also started in the heart of defence for six games during December whilst Ibrahima Konate was unavailable which would have only added to Quansah’s frustration.

Speculation about Quansah’s future has been a big talking point in recent weeks, with Bayer Leverkusen showing concrete interest in the defender whilst Newcastle United ae also monitoring the situation, as per Chronicle Live.

He is one of a number of defenders on Newcastle’s radar as they look to strengthen their backline this summer

Quansah is currently away on international duty with the England U21’s ahead of the European Championship and has expressed his desire to become a leader within his team during the tournament, noting how that could positively help his career progression.

He said: “You go from playing with world class players who have done it for years to this level with players trying to get to that level.”

“To try and lead from the back… it is important because of the experience I’ve had.

To become a leader and step up for that role is important for my future.”

Newcastle were close to signing Jarell Quansah last summer as they looked to sort out their PSR situation.

Whilst Eddie Howe is said to be a fan of the player, Marc Guehi remains the Magpies top target at centre-back this summer.

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