Liverpool are reportedly one of a number of teams running the rule over Bologna defender Sam Beukema amid uncertainty over a few of their defenders.
Ibrahima Konate is expected to sign a new deal at Anfield imminently, and there have also been claims that Virgil van Dijk has agreed to extend his Liverpool contract beyond the summer of 2025.
However, Liverpool could see a handful of other centre-backs depart at the end of the season, as Joe Gomez was heavily linked with an exit over the summer and could try to engineer an exit if Arne Slot cannot guarantee him regular starts over Konate.
Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips - on loan at Morecambe and Derby County respectively - are also likely to depart permanently when their temporary deals come to an end, having failed to become established first-team stars despite shining in the 2020-21 campaign.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool boss Slot has identified compatriot Beukema as an ideal defensive acquisition, as the Dutchman is a 'long-time admirer' of Beukema from their time in the Eredivisie together.
Liverpool 'told to pay £20.7m' for Beukema
© Imago
The 26-year-old represented FC Twente and Go Ahead Eagles at youth level and made his senior breakthrough with the latter before joining AZ Alkmaar in 2021, one year after Slot left for Feyenoord.
Beukema impressed during his two seasons at AZ and earned a £6.6m move to Bologna in the summer 2023, where he played a critical role in the Rossoblu's shock Champions League qualification under Thiago Motta.
Working in tandem with now-Arsenal man Riccardo Calafiori at the back, Beukema scored two goals and set up one more in 33 games in all tournaments last season, and he has set up one goal in 19 outings for Bologna in 2024-25.
The 6ft 2in centre-back has also captained his team on a couple of occasions this season - including in their 2-0 Champions League loss to Aston Villa on October 22 - and his contract does not expire until the summer of 2027.
However, Bologna will fight tooth and nail to retain Beukema's services in the January transfer window, and any interested party may have to stump up at least €25m (£20.7m) if they wish to sign the Dutchman next summer.
Who could rival Liverpool for Beukema's signature?
© Imago
Liverpool are thought to be one of five teams hoping to take Beukema from Bologna in 2025, a list that also includes Champions League holders Real Madrid, who are currently missing Eder Militao and David Alaba due to long-term knee injuries.
In addition, Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone supposedly feels that Beukema would fit perfectly into his system, and Juventus head coach Motta is also keen on a reunion with the 26-year-old in Turin.
Inter Milan are also said to have made an enquiry, but Liverpool already appear to have a head-start, as Beukema opened the door to a move to Anfield or West Ham United a couple of months ago.
"I also have ambitions and hope one day to be able to play maybe in the Premier League or another big club," he told Corriere dello Sport, as quoted by TEAMtalk. "I was a fan of West Ham. I once visited Upton Park with my father and I was really impressed, because the atmosphere was similar to that of Feyenoord or Go Ahead Eagles.
"But there are so many fantastic teams in England, so if another great club like Liverpool came along I would be happy to go there one day."
Liverpool return to action against Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Ben Knapton
