Report: Liverpool want €50m-rated star who is ‘ready to compete with the best players’

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Liverpool are targeting Valencia defender Cesar Tárrega as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk. The 23-year-old Spanish centre-back, valued at around €50 million, has attracted interest from several English clubs, including Sunderland and Newcastle, during the recent transfer window. Liverpool’s interest signals their intent to strengthen and add depth to their defensive options following their unsuccessful attempt to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

Tárrega has displayed strong performances in La Liga, demonstrating qualities that suggest he could adapt well to the physicality and pace of English football. The prospect of joining a top club like Liverpool is considered an exciting move for his career progression. However, Liverpool are cautious about potentially overpaying and will likely expect Valencia to moderate their asking price to facilitate the transfer.

While Liverpool may find it relatively straightforward to convince Tárrega to join, competition for his signature is intensifying, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also expressing interest. Valencia hopes this will drive a bidding war to maximize financial return on the player, complicating Liverpool's pursuit.

Despite these challenges, Liverpool see Tárrega as a player "ready to compete with the best players in the world." The club is expected to evaluate their options carefully and may revisit interest in Marc Guehi during the January transfer window if the Tárrega deal does not materialize. How the negotiations unfold remains to be seen, with Liverpool aiming to secure a quality defender without paying a premium.

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PP