Richard Hughes finds his PERFECT centre-back: Spanish star will cost €50m

Liverpool were already looking a little light on senior centre-back options even before Giovanni Leoni’s devastating ACL injury this week.

The Italian defender, 18, was injured on his debut versus Southampton in the Carabao Cup following his £26m transfer from Parma over the summer.

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It’s a bitter blow for Leoni and for Liverpool head coach Arne Slot - who now has only got three senior fit central defenders. Having sold Jarell Quansah and missed out on Marc Guehi, Liverpool can only count on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

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There is no doubting their quality - but the injury records of both Konate and Gomez are quite patchy. One injury - or suspension - has the potential to derail the Premier League title-holders’ season from a defensive perspective.

Liverpool find IDEAL centre-back in Spain

That’s why transfer talk around central defenders has ramped up in recent days - with the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Youri Baas and of course Guehi suggested as targets for January and beyond.

But now a NEW name has emerged on the list - Spanish defender Cesar Tarrega.

The 6’4 stopper is starring for Valencia in LaLiga having enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last season or so.

The 23-year-old is a homegrown Valencia prospect and is under contract until 2030.

Cesar Tarrega gaining traction

According to a report in Fichajes, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are among the teams monitoring the Spain under-21 star - but Liverpool consider that Tarrega is the perfect fit.

“The name that has gained the most traction in the Anfield offices is César Tárrega, the young Valencia CF center-back who has become one of the league's biggest revelations,” the report reads.

“The defender, who renewed his contract with the Black and White club just a few months ago, has earned an undisputed place in the first team thanks to his solidity, anticipation, and maturity beyond his years.

Cesar Tarrega fits perfectly

“Liverpool is looking to combine youth and potential with immediate performance, and the Spaniard fits that vision perfectly.

"The transfer fee is the biggest obstacle. Valencia knows they have a gem and isn't willing to let him leave for less than a figure exceeding 50 million euros."

Tarrega has been an ever-present in the Valencia backline this season - even captaining their side during a 3-0 win against Getafe.

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