Real Madrid hatch plan to STEAL two centre-backs from Liverpool

Liverpool are facing a centre-back conundrum.

Right now Arne Slot has only got three senior options in the position to choose from. Following the injury to Giovanni Leoni - who suffered a torn ACL on debut - the Premier League champions have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez at their disposal.

One injury or suspension could severely damage Slot’s squad in that position - meaning the failure to land Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window looks all the more disappointing in hindsight.

Liverpool have been linked with several defenders in order to boost their numbers - with Guehi again featuring on the list as well as Ronald Araujo.

Real Madrid put Konate high up on their list

Ideally the Reds would have four or five central defenders to choose from - but there is even uncertainty over their current options.

We could see Joe Gomez leave for example if the right deal materialises for the 28-year-old.

And the contract situation regarding Konate looks bleak right now.

Having signed for the Reds from RB Leipzig back in 2021, it looks as though the Frenchman will depart on a free transfer in summer 2026.

Real Madrid are lying in wait for Konate - with Marca now describing the France international as their No1 pick for next summer.

Madrid also want deal for Guehi

But the anguish for Liverpool won’t end there. Because as well as Dayot Upamecano - who is further down their hitlist - the 15-time European champions also want to sign Guehi.

The England international is reported to be holding out for an offer from the Bernabeu - with Liverpool having lost their clear run at the 25-year-old on deadline day.

Therefore Madrid could be about to frustrate Liverpool’s attempts to contract TWO world-class centre-backs.

Liverpool could lose Konate AND Guehi

The Reds had been initially hoping to have Guehi at the club alongside Konate - hence the £35m bid to Palace. When that fell through, the worst case scenario might have seen Konate replaced by the former Chelsea youth.

But now it seems that Liverpool’s attempts to have either Konate or Guehi at the club next season are going to go up in smoke. Sporting director Richard Hughes has got a big job on his hands to get the right quality and numbers in the centre-back department.

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