Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing wantaway RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba – but will likely have to tussle for him.
The Reds are ramping up their search for a centre-back after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35million.
Lukeba, 22, has established a strong reputation over the past few seasons at Lyon and Leipzig and earned himself a senior France cap.
But the 6ft0in star is also the subject of interest from Bayern Munich and Tottenham, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
They write that while his release clause is set at almost £78million, Leipzig have an informal agreement to let him leave for less.
But his deal runs until 2029, so he will likely not come cheap, and he has previously been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
Liverpool are reportedly interested in RB Leipzig’s 22-year-old centre-back Castello Lukeba
Bayern Munich and Tottenham are also said to be keen on the one-time France international
Arne Slot must shore up his defence after selling Jarell Quansah, with Ibrahima Konate’s future also up in the air
Lukeba, who starred for the France under-21s at this summer’s Euros, has been compared to Josko Gvardiol, another physical defender who left Leipzig for Manchester City in 2023.
He is left footed and typically plays on that side of the defence, able to slot into a back three or four.
Liverpool have had their way in the transfer market this summer after signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez for a combined sum of at least £169.5m.
But they must plan ahead given the contract situation concerning Ibrahima Konate.
The Frenchman’s deal is up in a year and so far negotiations have failed to result make significant progress.
Real Madrid’s interest is real and Paris Saint-Germain have also been mooted as a potential destination for Konate, 26.
Lukeba is not the only target Liverpool have been setting their sights on.
Arne Slot’s side are also keen on Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who reciprocates their interest.
Their chances of snapping up the Crystal Palace captain will depend on the price demanded by the FA Cup winners.
There is talk Liverpool will try to lowball Palace at £30million, whereas Palace would demand around £50m.
Last year the Eagles rejected a £65m bid from Newcastle but now he only has a year left on his deal at Selhurst Park.
