Chelsea, Everton defenders make seven-man Liverpool shortlist as Klopp wants ‘another Van Dijk’

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly looking to sign ‘another Virgil van Dijk’ and Liverpool have interest in seven centre-backs heading into this summer.

Liverpool have been a shadow of their best selves this season. They exited the Carabao Cup and FA Cup prematurely and they are also likely to be knocked out of the Champions League after being hammered 5-2 in their last-16 first leg against Real Madrid.

This leaves them with just a place in the top four to fight for this season and they have a lot of catching up to if they are to edge out the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

It is believed that Liverpool’s main issue is their midfield, with several of their players in that area in decline. They are expected to recruit in that area this summer, with Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount among their targets.

But Liverpool have also been more open defensively this term and there is the belief that they also need to strengthen in defence.

GOAL are reporting that ‘finding another Van Dijk is just as important for Klopp this summer’. It is noted that ‘at least one centre-back is required’.

The report goes on to name seven defenders that are being considered by Liverpool. Benfica’s Antonio Silva and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio ‘have been scouted’ and are ‘expected to be the subject of transfer offers this summer’.

Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill is also ‘admired’. The defender is on loan at Brighton and has been in great form but it is suggested that a transfer would be ‘a non-starter given the rivalry’ between the London club and Liverpool. It is said that the ‘same would apply’ to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who has shone on loan at PSV this term.

This is while Torino’s Perr Schuurs ‘has been looked at’ and the form of West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd ‘has not gone unnoticed’.

RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol is the final player mentioned. Liverpool are known to have interest in the Croatia international but the Bundesliga outfit would ‘want well over £70m’ to let him go.

A separate report from Ben Jacobs has revealed that Liverpool are ‘tracking’ the young defender.

‘Liverpool are tracking Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, who Chelsea almost pre-agreed a deal for last summer. The Croatian scored against Manchester City in the Champions League and is attracting plenty of interest, including from Pep Guardiola’s side as well as Real Madrid and PSG. There is a £98m buyout clause, but it doesn’t become active until summer 2024.

‘I am told Gvardiol wants a Premier League move and the notion he’s ‘picked’ Real Madrid is incorrect. He’s also on record as saying Liverpool are his “dream club” because he watched many of their games with his dad when younger.’

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