Liverpool are beginning to get serious in their attempts to sign a new centre-back this summer.
With Arne Slot having been now officially unveiled as Jurgen Klopp’s successor, the Reds can finally get down to business.
In reality, Slot has likely been working alongside Richard Hughes to beef up the Liverpool squad already. However, with June soon turning to July, things have to really ramp up.
Bolstering the defence will be the priority following Joel Matip’s exit at the end of the season. And with the likes of Leny Yoro high on the shortlist, there promises to be an exciting addition.
Yoro isn’t the only player being targeted by Liverpool, though. If they don’t want to be beaten to new signings, they’re going to have to get a move on.
Atletico Madrid make David Hancko offer
While Yoro would possibly represent the dream signing for Liverpool this summer, he isn’t the only one who would excite fans.
There remains the possibility that the Lille defender eventually ends up at Anfield, but it seems that Yoro’s heart is set on Real Madrid.
As a result, Liverpool need to prepare their plan B. One of those ploys could be to lure Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old is reportedly very much in Liverpool’s thinking.
So too, it seems, is Feyenoord defender David Hancko. Having done so well in Slovakia’s opening game of Euro 2024 Hancko has received some rave reviews.
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With the Reds in need of a left-sided centre-back and Hancko familiar with Slot and his system, the 26-year-old could be Liverpool’s ideal first signing under their new head coach.
However, they will not get a free run at Hancko. Dutch site 1908.nl are reporting that Atletico Madrid have already beaten Liverpool to the first punch.
It’s claimed that the Spanish side have put forward a concrete proposal of around £17m for Hancko. This has reportedly been ‘immediately’ rejected by Feyenoord, who are said to be looking for at least £30m.
Atletico will supposedly come back in with a new and improved offer but have Al Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte and reported Liverpool target Murillo of Nottingham Forest as alternatives.
David Hancko’s agent confirms Liverpool talks
It remains to be seen how Liverpool will react to news of Atletico’s bid for Hancko, or whether they will react at all.
The Slovakia international is certainly a player who has been on the Reds’ radar.
Back in January, Hancko’s agent Branislav Jasurek confirmed that he and his client were in ongoing talks with Liverpool over a move.
Since then, the links with Hancko have failed to slow down, suggesting that those conversations were never ended.
If that is indeed the case then you’d imagine Liverpool will by now be well aware of Atletico’s first move.
Feyenoord’s asking price is well within the Reds’ grasp, so if they truly want Hancko, we’ll see a counter offer come in from Anfield. If not, perhaps he’ll end up in Madrid.