Richard Hughes makes first step to spectacular centre-back transfer

Liverpool need more centre-backs, and Richard Hughes' recruitment team might be on a mission to deliver.

Arne Slot's side is severely deprived in that position. Hughes tried to recruit adequately in the summer but ultimately could not deliver with the Marc Guehi deal falling through.

His one investment in Giovanni Leoni ended up becoming a disaster so far with the youngster suffering an injury on his debut for the club that has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Leoni was always a long-term solution for Liverpool. Ultimately, he still has massive potential to become an excellent signing.

But Liverpool need options now.

Especially if Slot wants this side to play with three at the back. He needs adequate depth rather than just the three senior centre-back options available right now.

Long-term even those current options have uncertain futures at Anfield. Ibrahima Konate still hasn't extended his stay at the club and his contract expires at the end of the season.

Joe Gomez was on the cusp of leaving in the summer window. Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger and it's unrealistic to plan with him going forward long-term.

Liverpool need to be clever in the recruitment and rebuilding the backline is going to be a fundamental focus for Hughes and his team going forward.

It's why reports by Novi List in Croatia about Liverpool scouts making a trip to watch Hajduk Split in action against NK Rijeka are so intriguing.

The site doesn't mention who Liverpool could have been watching but we have a pretty good idea.

Given the ages and profiles of the players the player Liverpool scouts were keeping an eye on is undoubtedly 18-year-old centre-back Branimir Mlacic.

He's a player who has burst onto the scene at Hajduk Split this season and recently made his U21s debut for Croatia.

Mlacic comes from the same academy that produced Luka Vuskovic, who is one of the best young centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues right now.

Vuskovic earned a move to Tottenham at a young age and Mlacic definitely has the potential to follow suit of his compatriot.

He's got all the tools to be a top level centre-back. He's comfortable on the ball. Strong in his aerial duels and in his ground duels as well.

At 18-years-old the physical attributes that he has alongside his composure make him a really intriguing prospect. Probably one of the best young prospects right now in European football in his age-group and position.

Liverpool deciding to watch him in action is definitely a significant first step in signing Mlacic. The club's scouts and entourage don't just travel out for anyone.

The players they watch live will have garnered significant interest and will be high up on their shortlist.

So Mlacic is a name to keep a close eye on.

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