€60m and he's yours: Richard Hughes told how to sign French rising star

Liverpool could be facing a centre-back SHORTAGE if they are not careful.

The club opted to sell homegrown prospect Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last summer - banking £30m in the process.

And his departure was supposed to be offset by the inclusion of Giovanni Leoni - an 18-year-old central defender signed from Parma for £26m.

But the Italian teenager is out injured for the season and perhaps longer - due to a torn ACL suffered on debut.

Liverpool crying out for new centre-backs

Liverpool’s failure to land Marc Guehi therefore looks all the more regrettable - with Crystal Palace backing out of a £35m deal for their captain on deadline day.

Then there’s the added factors of Ibrahima Konate’s contract - expiring in 2026 - and Joe Gomez’s uncertain future.

Unless sporting director Richard Hughes can bring numbers through the door - either in January or next summer - then Arne Slot could struggle for options.

But happily there are signs that the situation is in hand.

Liverpool come back for Castello Lukeba

The Premier League champions have reactivated their interest in RB Leipzig star defender Castello Lukeba - according to a new report from The Daily Briefing.

The 22-year-old was previously touted as a potential Liverpool target but the trail since had appeared to have got cold.

But now the Reds could come back in for the France under-21 international - who has risen to become one of the best centre-backs in the Bundesliga.

It could also see another Richard Hughes masterclass - which may land Liverpool a priority target at a sizeable discount.

Lukeba available for bargain €60m

There is a release clause of €90m in Lukeba’s contract but right now it seems as though interested parties can have him for a LOT less than that.

“Lukeba can leave Leipzig for below his €90m release clause, with the German side ready to accept more like €60m,” the report reads.

“Liverpool first looked at Lukeba in the summer and it seems the Reds remain keen, but could face competition for the 22-year-old’s signature.

“Liverpool like him, but you can add Chelsea, Man United, Newcastle and Real Madrid to that list.”

Lukeba is under contract until 2029 and looks destined to become the Jurgen Klopp-operated side’s next big sale. Let’s hope it’s the Reds who can get the deal over the line.

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