Arne Slot shortlists new centre-back

Liverpool narrowly missed out on a deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day.

Having agreed to pay £35m for the England centre-back, the Reds were left frustrated when the Eagles pulled out of the deal at the 11th hour.

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With the 25-year-old out of contract at the end of the season, it’s likely that Guehi will leave on a free transfer. Liverpool are still reckoned to be the defender’s most likely destination but there remains a possibility that he is offered a lucrative contract elsewhere.

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It’s much more of an open competition right now for Guehi - which means extra centre-backs should be looked at by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.

Arne Slot likes Sam Beukema

One name reported to be on the list ahead of last summer was Dutch defender Sam Beukema.

The 26-year-old was playing for Bologna back then - catching Liverpool recruiters’ eyes before securing a blockbuster summer move to Serie A champions Napoli.

But the Anfield club are STILL right there for Beukema - with a report in TEAMtalk now suggesting that he could be a candidate for a transfer.

Beukema is a possible Liverpool addition

Beukema signed with Antonio Conte’s side until 2030, scoring on his first Serie A appearance last weekend and has now been tipped to move on before long.

“Liverpool boss Slot is a long-term admirer of Beukema,” the report reads.

“Slot shortlisted the 26-year-old when he was Feyenoord manager and remains interested in him as a possible addition at Anfield for the future.

“The centre-back position will come into focus for Liverpool potentially in January but certainly next summer, amid the uncertainty over the future of Ibrahima Konate, who has entered the final year of his Anfield contract.

“Beukema could be a player Liverpool look to bring in due to Slot’s connection and admiration for the player.”

All change in Liverpool defence

It’s clear that there is going to be a centre-back shakeup before long on Merseyside. Joe Gomez was close to leaving the club last summer - while we could also see Konate leave on a free.

Giovanni Leoni is a candidate for the first team in the seasons upcoming while there is also interest in Aaron Bouwman of Ajax.

We’ve also seen links to Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton as well as Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. Let’s see who ultimately appears on the Liverpool list - but owing to Slot’s approval we could end up with Beukema if Napoli decide to cash in quickly.

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