Liverpool immediately collapse deal over fee

Liverpool have collapsed a potential deal because the fee is simply too high. It's a debatable one, however.

Liverpool are in the market, to some extent, for a new centre-back. This comes after losing Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer this summer and not actually replacing him.

Now, his place in the squad is taken up by Jeremy Jacquet, who joins from Rennes. Liverpool signed the Frenchman believing he'd get to play with his compatriot, though.

It means that Liverpool have two experienced centre-backs. One is Virgil van Dijk, now 35, and the other Joe Gomez, who will miss the start of the season with an injury. Both are, quite remarkably, out of contract next summer.

And so Liverpool are now entertaining the idea of signing a new centre-back. Someone with more experience than Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, who offers a reliable, long-term option at the back.

One name they've looked at is Ezri Konsa. Anfield Sector reported this week that the Reds had made an enquiry to Aston Villa for the England star but decided not to pursue the deal.

Anfield Watch understands that's because of the price-tag, with Villa wanting a fee 'in the range' of £60m. Liverpool ultimately feel that's too much for a 28-year-old.

Now, that stance is a surprise as it begs the question: what did they think Villa would sell their star centre-back for? £60m seems perfectly reasonable, all things considered, as Konsa will be playing top-level football for at least one more long-term contract.

It's a strange one. Are Liverpool hoping to find an experienced, elite-level centre-back for under £60m from a Premier League team? Because that player simply doesn't exist.

It'll be interesting to see where they go from here, then.