Time is running out: Liverpool's LAST chance to agree deal for centre-back

Liverpool’s central defensive department is facing a significant shakeup this summer. Jarell Quansah of course has been sold to Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of over £30m. That leaves a big gap that needs to be filled. But the uncertainty won’t end there.

Ibrahima Konate, 26, is out of contract in less than 12 months. If Liverpool club bosses fail to come to an agreement with the Frenchman over a new deal then he could be sold.

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If that happens then the Reds would be heading into the new season with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez as senior centre-back options.

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That would be a less than ideal situation and it’s the big reason why Liverpool have been linked with new centre-backs during this summer’s window.

Liverpool linked with several centre-backs

There have been reports suggesting Marc Guehi is a big target for sporting director Richard Hughes - but the trail appears to have gone cold in recent weeks.

Also named in reports have been Cristhian Mosquera, Joel Ordonez and Nathan Zeze - as well as Ousmane Diomande and Levi Colwill.

Another name on the list for a long time has been Jorrel Hato. The 19-year-old Ajax star has established himself as one of the finest defensive prospects in Europe - and has been tipped to move on this summer.

Time is running out to agree Hato deal

Liverpool have been the strongest suitors of late for Hato - who can play left-back as well as centre-back. He is under contract at Ajax until 2028 - with the Dutch giants said to be seeking around £60m for his signature.

Liverpool have been busy adding players in other areas - and are now seeking to complete striker deal - meaning Hato has slipped down the list of priorities.

And now Chelsea are set to sneak in for Hato - with GIVEMESPORT now reporting that talks are underway between Ajax and the FIFA Club World Cup champions.

Chelsea talking to Ajax over Hato

“The Ajax academy graduate has attracted interest from some of the Premier League's top clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool as well as Chelsea, and is believed to be open to a move to the English top-flight this summer,” the report reads.

“Liverpool remain keen, but Chelsea have made the first move and talks are ongoing with Ajax.”

The Reds are currently well-stocked at left-back - with Milos Kerkez, Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas all at the club as senior options.

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But at centre-back there could be cause for concern as numbers deplete. Now that Chelsea have made their move, Liverpool may well consider that they have one more big chance to do a deal for Hato before he heads for Stamford Bridge.

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