da dobrowin： Liverpool are now seriously eyeing an impressive defender, who is represented by the same agent as Ryan Gravenberch, according to reports.

Slot responds to Xabi Alonso talks

da heads bet： Despite continued struggles, Arne Slot was in a positive mood in the build-up to Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Marseille. The Dutchman even had time to answer questions about Xabi Alonso, who is a rumoured target for the Reds if they decide to welcome a new manager.

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Slot told reporters: “Yes he called me and said ‘What do you think about the team because I am going to take over in six months, can you tell me a little bit more?’ Or maybe earlier, maybe he takes over tomorrow,” the Dutchman joked.

“That is the weirdest question I ever got.”

Unless anything changes, Slot is expected to remain the Liverpool manager, despite Alonso’s sudden availability. The former Feyenoord boss will have his full focus on turning things around at Anfield and the return of Mohamed Salah should only help that.

Salah has been the constant answer to Liverpool’s problems ever since arriving at Anfield and for all the controversy around him before AFCON, that remains the case this season.

The Reds will be hoping that their star man stays put at least until the end of his contract in 2027, allowing them to focus on their urgent need for central defenders in the summer.

After missing out on Marc Guehi to Manchester City, Liverpool are at risk of suffering a centre-back crisis. There are no signs that Ibrahima Konate will be putting pen to paper on a new deal before the summer, which means his exit is likely. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is on course to leave in 2027. Those at Anfield simply must act.

Liverpool seriously eyeing Micky van de Ven

Whilst it has been Nico Schlotterbech threatening to steal the headlines as of late, the Reds could yet welcome an option that they’re more familiar with. According to the Daily Mail’s Matt Barlow, Liverpool are seriously eyeing Micky van de Ven.

The Reds have a ‘developing’ interest which could materialise into a concrete move to sign the Tottenham Hotspur star this summer.

Previous reports have claimed that Spurs will be looking for an eye-watering £88m to sell the Dutchman, but it remains to be seen if that’s still the case if they miss out on Champions League football this season.

A move to Liverpool would certainly make sense. Van de Ven is represented by the same agency as fellow Dutchman Gravenberch and would help solve Slot’s likely centre-back shortage at Anfield.

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Speaking about the 24-year-old’s quality, former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou told reporters in 2024: “Micky has been outstanding all year, and he’s growing all the time, we see it in training. The growth in him, his maturity, his physical capacity, there is just no ceiling for that guy.”

For the right price, it is absolutely a move that Liverpool should be chasing in the summer.