Liverpool scouting mission emerges as Arne Slot faces Man Utd transfer competition

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Liverpool is likely to be in the market for a new defender this summer, and the Reds could face competition from Manchester United for one of their potential targetsPierre Kalulu has reportedly been scouted by Liverpool(Image: 2026 Image Photo Agency)Liverpool and Manchester United have reportedly both sent scouts to watch French defender Pierre Kalulu in action for Juventus.Kalulu's rise in Turin is said to have caught the attention of several clubs, including the two most successful outfits in English soccer history. Kalulu joined Juve on loan from AC Milan in 2024 and impressed sufficiently for the Bianconeri to make the deal permanent.The 25-year-old, who can play as a center-back and as a right-back, is said to be deemed "untouchable" by Italy manager Luciano Spalletti, according to reports in Italy.

Despite Spalletti's desire to keep Kalulu, scouts from both Liverpool and United have traveled to northern Italy to watch him in action this season.READ MORE: Liverpool players and staff opinions of Mohamed Salah behind the scenes emergeREAD MORE: Jurgen Klopp opens up on Liverpool return after touching down in ManchesterJuve is keen to tie the player down to a fresh contract until 2030, which would see him earn $75,000 per week after tax.It doesn't need mentioning, though, that virtually any Premier League club that wanted to would be capable of matching that salary.Kalulu made his senior France debut last year and has been included in the squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Colombia during the ongoing international break, suggesting that he is in strong contention to make the World Cup squad.Liverpool, meanwhile, is in the midst of an overhaul in the center of defense, amid the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate.Van Dijk, who turns 35 in July, is out of contract next year, while Gomez's deal also expires in 2027, and he could be moved on in the summer.Konate, meanwhile, is set to become a free agent this summer as things stand, and has repeatedly been linked with a move to Real Madrid.Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk both face uncertain futures at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool remains in talks with Konate over a possible contract extension at Anfield, and Arne Slot said last month that he is keen for the Frenchman to stay."We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want," Slot said. "It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends.

We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay."Liverpool has taken steps to address its uncertain defensive situation over the last two transfer windows, signing young defenders in Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet.Liverpool acquired Leoni last summer and agreed a deal to sign Jacquet in January, with the Frenchman due to make the move to Merseyside this summer.Liverpool was interested in signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace last summer but was not willing to match Manchester City's offer for the England international during the January transfer window.