Why Liverpool should BATTLE Real Madrid for Virgil van Dijk replacement

One of Liverpool’s priorities will be signing a new central defender, whether that is in January or the summer.

Virgil van Dijk will be 35-years-old by the start of next season, Ibrahima Konate will be a free agent as it stands and there is plenty of interest in Joe Gomez.

Giovanni Leoni remains an exciting option, but a nasty ACL injury will no doubt have hindered his development.

As such, at least one central defender and maybe more will need to be recruited over the next two transfer windows.

There are plenty of options available to Liverpool, but a new name may be about to enter the conversation.

Four Premier League teams chasing Serie A colossus

Como’s Jacobo Ramón has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting defensive talents since his €2.5 million move from Real Madrid’s academy in the summer.

The Spaniard has become a mainstay in Cesc Fabregas’ side despite his young age, and he now looks destined for a big move.

According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, four Premier League teams have already asked Como about Ramón’s situation with a view of signing the breakout star in the summer.

The 20-year-old is happy at Como and would not agree to a winter move, but he is reportedly willing to listen to proposals in the summer.

Will Liverpool come in for Ramón?

Although Liverpool are not directly named in the report, their need for defensive recruitment will surely see Ramón on their list.

There is no indication how much Como would demand for their young star’s services, but Ramón is likely to be a cheaper option than other names linked with Merseyside moves, including Alessandro Bastoni.

One factor that will complicate the situation is Real Madrid’s reported €8 million buy-back clause. If Los Blancos choose to activate the clause, Liverpool may be powerless to stop Ramón returning to Madrid, unless they can convince him to turn down his former club.

Ramón is already showing himself to be a capable defender at such a young age, and he would be a perfect candidate for Liverpool as they look to add their backline.

If Liverpool aren’t one of the four Premier League teams who have already made contact for Ramón, they should be the fifth.

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