Liverpool in £64m Diego Carlos transfer talks as Jurgen Klopp looks to gazump Real Madrid (Image: Getty)
Liverpool are considering a £64million bid for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos and have opened talks over a deal as they look for a long-term partner to Virgil van Dijk, according to reports in Spain. Carlos has garnered interested from across Europe for his impressive performances for Sevilla this season, with Real Madrid also interested in snapping him up.
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The report states that the Reds are not afraid to spend big on a central defender like they did in January 2018 when they splashed £75m on Virgil van Dijk to make him the most expensive defender in history.
Liverpool have ostensibly opened talks with the player to try to agree personal terms before buying him out of his contract, which runs until 2024.
Carlos also has Real Madrid watching him closely with Los Blancos seeing the Brazilian as a potential replacement for their ageing captain Sergio Ramos.
But, by meeting Carlos’ release clause, Liverpool would leave Real in the lurch.
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It is not expected that the European champions will move in the January transfer window, though, instead keeping their powder dry until the summer.
There is no rush from Anfield chiefs mainly because of the wealth of options available to Van Dijk in defence.
Joel Matip began the season as the Dutchman’s first-choice partner before getting injured, while Dejan Lovren has also shown a higher level to his game when next to Van Dijk.
Joe Gomez developed a strong relationship with the 28-year-old at the start of last season before an injury lay-off but has reignited that partnership in recent weeks.
Diego Carlos has enjoyed an impressive season for Sevilla (Image: Getty)
Jurgen Klopp seemed happy when discussing his centre-back options earlier in the season and lauded Matip after the Cameroonian signed a contract extension in October.
“As the team has evolved and become better, so too has Joel,” Klopp said.
“I said earlier this year that signing a player of his quality is one of the best, incredible pieces of business we’ve done since I started here – and I think now that’s something everyone can see.
“Joel has been operating as a world-class centre-half throughout this year and long may it continue.”
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He added: “I haven’t seen many in his position performing with the consistency and quality he has been.
“Obviously here at Liverpool, we’re very lucky to have not only him, but also Virg, Dejan and Joe in the position. I’m fortunate to be able to pick from such outstanding talent.”