Liverpool set to address centre-back issue but Newcastle could derail bid for €80m ace

Although Liverpool are still in the hunt for Europa League and Premier League glory at the time of writing, it appears that the club aren’t necessarily happy with their centre-back options.

The Reds have struggled at times to partner Virgil van Dijk effectively, and it could even be said that the Dutchman has gone off the boil at various points in the 2023/24 campaign.

With Jurgen Klopp leaving the club in just a few games time, the issue is one for the new incumbent on the Anfield bench to deal with.

Ousmane Diomande could be on his way to Liverpool

Given that it’s often said that a solid defensive foundation is the key to having a title-winning team, it’s clear that the potential problem is dealt with swiftly.

To that end, it’s believed that Liverpool are looking to acquire Sporting’s brilliant €80m-rated Ousmane Diomande according to Football Transfers.

The 20-year-old is also coveted by Premier League rivals Newcastle and Chelsea, both of whom might be hamstrung by the various minutiae under Financial Fair Play.

Where Liverpool could have the edge in any race for the player is if they also bring in Ruben Amorim to replace Klopp this summer.

Though any notion of an interview for the job was apparently denied by Amorim, it’s clear that he is an option to take over from the German.

Knowing and understanding Diomande’s strengths and weaknesses are of obvious benefit, and from the player’s point of view, he would expect to have Amorim’s support which has to have some sway in transfer discussions.

Sporting are set to be decimated with Viktor Gyokeres also set to leave, therefore the likelihood of Diomande looking to further his career outside of the Portuguese league is almost certain.

Liverpool will likely be hoping that they offer an attractive enough proposition to bring the player to Anfield.