Liverpool and Iraola closely monitoring "incredible" player with huge recent influence - report

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Liverpool are thought to be one of the clubs closely monitoring Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve, with the Clarets resigned to losing him this summer. According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are “among a three-strong Premier League contingent considering a move” for Burnley defender Esteve in the coming weeks and months, as Andoni Iraola eyes him up.

There may be some doubts from Liverpool supporters over a move for Esteve, considering he has just been relegated, but he is an impressive centre-back, with former Burnley manager Scott Parker lauding him last summer: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to seal that contract and fair play to the club owners that we’ve managed to do that, because i’s vitally important for us. Maxi’s not just an incredible football player, he’s an incredible person and showed real commitment by staying here as well, so I’m delighted to have him.” Esteve is still only 24, so there is plenty of time for the Frenchman to mature under Iraola, and his influence for Burnley in recent times cannot be ignored.

If Esteve is considered a strong squad option for Liverpool, he could end up being a shrewd signing, but he likely isn’t at the level of Konate when it comes to starting most weeks for one of the biggest clubs in the world. He is also a main contributor for This Is Anfield, one of the world's biggest Reds-related sites, where he writes features and news, and covers matchday content.