Liverpool want to sign €80m Portugal star

Liverpool are facing plenty of uncertainty around the centre-back position heading into the summer transfer window.

Virgil van Dijk has been safely secured to a new contract until 2027 - but right now it’s unknown who will partner the 33-year-old at the heart of defence next season.

READ MORE: Liverpool agree deal for really EXCITING forward to join

In an ideal world it will Ibrahima Konate. The 26-year-old has established himself alongside Van Dijk - winning the Premier League title in tandem last season.

READ MORE: Barcelona "willing to discuss" offer for €60m-rated homegrown TREASURE

But he is out of contract in 2026 and so far there has been no breakthrough in negotiations over a new deal. If Richard Hughes cannot agree a new contract with Konate’s representatives then he could be moved on this summer to avoid losing him for free.

And then there’s Jarell Quansah. Reportedly on the list for several Premier League clubs as well as Bayer Leverkusen, the 22-year-old could be used to generate some much-needed transfer income.

Liverpool have got Tomas Araujo on the list

Joe Gomez could also depart with the club having fielded offers for the England international last year. If the right money is put up, then the 28-year-old will also be on his way.

The Reds missed out on Dean Huijsen in the mini-transfer window ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Spaniard opted for a move to Real Madrid instead, with Liverpool having to look down their list of alternatives.

One of the names on that list - as initially revealed by Anfieldwatch - is Tomas Araujo. The 23-year-old Portuguese defender is a homegrown talent from Benfica - and recently made the breakthrough into the national team reckoning too.

Last season the 6’2 stopper played mostly at right-back owing to an injury to Alexander Bah - showcasing a versatility that would surely be appreciated by Arne Slot.

Araujo under consideration by Liverpool

Nonetheless, Araujo is seen primarily as a centre-back - and A Bola has now also confirmed he is on the shopping list for plenty of top clubs this summer - Liverpool included.

In an item discussing Chelsea’s interest in the player, the Blues were described as “a threat”. Paris Saint-Germain - meanwhile - are also thought to be keen having established the Parc des Princes as a haven for Portugal’s best young talents.

“Tomás Araújo's performance last season only confirmed the positive indications that the scouting departments of the best clubs have long had of him,” a report in O Jogo reads.

“Liverpool, for example, want to sign a central defender, lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid - a €60 million transfer from Bournemouth - and, according to the English press, Tomás Araújo is one of the players being considered for the position.”

Araujo is under contract until 2029 with Benfica - and is believed to boast an €80m release clause in his contract.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms PSG transfer plans for forward tipped to join Liverpool

Currently out injured with a hernia, Araujo is expected back after the FIFA Club World Cup in time for the start of next season.