New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been given the chance to lead the club into a new era following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
The Dutchman is expected to make new signings at Anfield this summer as the Reds aim to do better next season than in Klopp’s farewell season.
A third-place finish in the league and elimination in the last round of the Europa League ended Klopp’s era on a bad note.
The Reds are expected to sign a new defender this summer following Joel Matip’s departure from the club.
Matip, who stayed at Liverpool for eight years, became a key player at Anfield and formed a strong relationship with Virgil Van Dijk.
Liverpool have been linked with moves for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori and Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that club sources have revealed that the Merseyside club will not sign any of them this summer.
He said:
“My understanding is that Liverpool are not in the race for him at the moment, we have heard links with a few Premier League clubs, but Liverpool sources are downplaying the links made between Calafiori and them, so it looks like they are working on other targets.
“It’s the same with Piero Hincapie, who is always linked with Liverpool. But again, there is denial from sources close to Liverpool that he is a target they want to pursue, either. “
Liverpool need a strong defensive addition
The Reds are in desperate need of new defensive signings this summer after Iraima Konate’s struggles last season and Jarrel Quansah’s lack of experience.
Van Dijk needs a strong partner in defense as the Reds struggled last season and conceded a few goals.
They have been linked with Lille defender Leny Yoro, but Real Madrid is believed to be his preferred destination.
Slot and the Liverpool management will have to make a decision soon about who will be their defender before their target is poached by rival clubs.
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