Liverpool insiders confirm Jan Paul van Hecke approach as Reds weigh up Ibrahima Konate alternative

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Liverpool have reportedly made an approach to sign Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke this summer.The Reds still do not know whether they’ll need to replace Ibrahima Konate in the heart of their defence, with the Frenchman’s April claims that he is close to a contract extension yet to bear fruit.In the meantime, Liverpool are seemingly trying to get their ducks in a row, with the Dutch press claiming that contact has been made over a move for Van Hecke. You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it?

With only three weeks of the season left to play, an answer has to be delivered one way or another.Liverpool will have Jeremy Jacquet arriving and Giovanni Leoni returning to fitness regardless of what Konate does, but if the 26-year-old goes, they will surely need another senior centre-back.Interestingly, Voetbal International claim that Van Hecke is being targeted by Arne Slot even with Konate expected to sign a new contract. As a result, they report that contact is ongoing with the 25-year-old over a move.Sources at Liverpool and those close to Van Hecke himself have reportedly confirmed the Reds’ approach, with Brighton likely to sell a player who has only one year left on his contract and who is said to have decided that he does not want to extend.Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Jan Paul van Hecke: Brighton defender passes Arne Slot audition despite FA Cup defeat to LiverpoolAlthough the Seagulls are said to be making ‘frantic’ attempts to keep Van Hecke, he will reportedly stand firm on his desire to move on this summer.Chelsea and Tottenham could provide competition, but it is claimed that Liverpool have now ‘joined the queue’, with Arne Slot a long-time admirer of his countryman.Slot reportedly wanted to bring Van Hecke to Feyenoord during his time at De Kuip, and has followed his progress since joining Liverpool.Given the direction of travel seems to remain that Konate will pen a new contract, Liverpool look to be both planning a senior alternative to the No.

5 and also guarding themselves against Virgil van Dijk’s likely exit in 2027. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox