Liverpool weighing up record transfer bid to land one of 'the best in the world'

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool is rumored to be targeting a significant move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni as they look to bolster their backline. The Merseyside club has been exposed defensively following Giovanni Leoni's extended injury absence and their failed pursuit of Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, prompting them to turn their attention back to Bastoni as a possible remedy.

"He is a player that Italy will be able to count on for many years, he just needs to continue working and maintaining the desire to improve." Liverpool could make an approach for Bastoni as early as January, although they are said to be prepared to hold off until the summer if necessary - a strategy that may prove significant given Ibrahima Konate's uncertain future, with his existing deal due to run out at the end of the campaign. (Image: getty) Josko Gvardiol's £77M ($101.1M) transfer from RB Leipzig to Manchester City in 2023 is second only to Virgil van Dijk's £75M ($98.5M) move from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018, which remains third on the list.

Whether Bastoni truly warrants such a hefty price tag is up for debate, but there's no denying his talent. Bastoni has been a standout player in Serie A, earning a spot in the league's Team of the Year three times in the last five seasons.