Liverpool ‘want to sign Bundesliga defender with £78m release clause’ – but ‘face competition from two giants’ including Premier League rivals

Liverpool are reportedly considering signing wantaway RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba – however will doubtless must tussle for him.

The Reds are ramping up their seek for a centre-back after promoting Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35million.

Lukeba, 22, has established a robust status over the previous few seasons at Lyon and Leipzig and earned himself a senior France cap.

However the 6ft0in star can also be the topic of curiosity from Bayern Munich and Tottenham, in line with French outlet Foot Mercato.

They write that whereas his launch clause is ready at virtually £78million, Leipzig have a casual settlement to let him depart for much less.

However his deal runs till 2029, so he’ll doubtless not come low-cost, and he has beforehand been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Actual Madrid.

Bayern Munich and Tottenham are additionally stated to be eager on the one-time France worldwide

Arne Slot should shore up his defence after promoting Jarell Quansah, with Ibrahima Konate’s future additionally up within the air

Lukeba, who starred for the France under-21s at this summer season’s Euros, has been in comparison with Josko Gvardiol, one other bodily defender who left Leipzig for Manchester Metropolis in 2023.

He’s left footed and sometimes performs on that aspect of the defence, in a position to slot right into a again three or 4.

Liverpool have had their means within the switch market this summer season after signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez for a mixed sum of no less than £169.5m.

However they have to plan forward given the contract scenario regarding Ibrahima Konate.

The Frenchman’s deal is up in a 12 months and to date negotiations have didn’t outcome make vital progress.

Actual Madrid’s curiosity is actual and Paris Saint-Germain have additionally been mooted as a possible vacation spot for Konate, 26.

Lukeba will not be the one goal Liverpool have been setting their sights on.

Arne Slot’s aspect are additionally eager on Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who reciprocates their curiosity.

Their probabilities of snapping up the Crystal Palace captain will depend upon the value demanded by the FA Cup winners.

There may be discuss Liverpool will attempt to lowball Palace at £30million, whereas Palace would demand round £50m.

Final 12 months the Eagles rejected a £65m bid from Newcastle however now he solely has a 12 months left on his deal at Selhurst Park.