Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made discreet enquiries to German contacts recently, asking whether he should sign Dayot Upamecano or Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig, the Athletic say.
The Liverpool boss has been looking for a new central defender, after suffering huge problems in the area this term.
Injuries to Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip have left Liverpool short of options in central defence.
The Reds have struggled as a result, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson often forced to play in the backline.
Liverpool are now intending to go into next campaign with more central defenders in their squad, and Klopp was keen to gauge opinion on Konate and Upamecano.
The German boss was apparently told to sign both by his contacts, who feel that they both would have been great additions to Liverpool’s team.
The Reds are now believed to be pushing hard to sign Konate, although Upamecano is off limits.
The French central defender has signed for Bayern Munich, meaning Liverpool have focused all their attentions on getting Konate.
Konate could be a strong fit at Liverpool, given his profile.
The 21-year-old is not the finished product, but he is very athletic and also is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
He looks a natural fit for Liverpool’s system, and with doubts over Gomez and Van Dijk’s availability and Matip’s future, he could have a key part to play at Anfield next season.
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