Liverpool plan to use funds intended for Bellingham to bolster backline after Klopp switches focus

Liverpool have identified three centre-back targets as Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his backline this summer, according to reports.

The Reds recently pulled out of the race for Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham and now they could look to splash some of the cash that they’ve saved on new defenders.

Indeed, The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip have been largely disappointing this term, so it’s no real surprise to see Liverpool keen to bring in new centre-halves.

This is according to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, who names three defenders that the Reds have on their radar at the moment.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, he said: “Liverpool do want at least one centre-back.

“Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka (who is available on a free with several clubs looking, including Jose Mourinho’s Roma), Napoli’s Kim Min-jae (who has a release clause active for 15 days this summer) and Josko Gvardiol have all been considered, to name just three.

“With the obvious exception of Leipzig’s Gvardiol, who will command a fee of at least £80-85m, Liverpool could probably get 3-4 of the above players for the same outlay as Bellingham with all costs considered.

“That’s ultimately why they have decided to exit the race for the Dortmund star.”

Indeed, as previously reported by Football365, , so Liverpool reluctantly opted to pull out of the race.

However, Klopp is still keen to pursue other targets and is believed to be a big admirer of Gvardiol, who is one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe at the moment and would be an ideal Van Dijk successor.

The 21-year-old has already featured 82 times for Leipzig, captaining the German side on multiple occasions after he has showed maturity beyond his years.

Gvardiol is already a key player for Croatia, too, helping his country to reach the Euro 2020 round of 16, as well as the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar last year.

Kim, meanwhile, has been immense for Napoli this term – with his team currently 14 points clear at the top of Serie A.

However, Liverpool could potentially meet his €50m (approx £44.1m) release clause in the 15 day window that Jacobs mentions, and force the Italian club’s hand.

Ndicka is definitely the most likely summer addition, however, who will be available on a free transfer after his current deal at Eintracht Frankfurt expires at the end of this season.

The 23-year-old is quick, strong and also has an eye for goal – scoring 11 goals in 177 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

Ndicka was also a key player as Frankfurt claimed a historic Europa League victory in the 2021/22 season.

If he could have a similar impact at Liverpool, he could prove to be a major bargain.

But, with Roma, Manchester City and Manchester United all in the race for his signature, the Reds will have to battle for his signature.