Liverpool can go for three centre backs if Guehi deal collapses and Konate leaves

It's been a frantic start to the summer transfer window for Liverpool, but Arne Slot and co. are just getting started. Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Freddie Woodman have already been welcomed through the door, with more transfers set to be confirmed in the coming days.

Jarell Quansah is Bayer Leverkusen-bound, with a fee of £35million expected to be bagged for the youngster's services. Whereas Ibrahima Konate, whose contract expires next summer, is rumoured to be of interest to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

As such, Liverpool could look to sign a centre-back this summer, with Marc Guehi touted as a potential option. But if the Englishman proves too hard to get, Express Sport have detailed three defenders the Reds could look at instead.

Ousmane Diomande - Sporting CP

One of the stars from Ruben Amorim's time in charge of Sporting CP, with Ousmane Diomande having established himself as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in Europe. As seen with the Viktor Gyokeres saga, Sporting have proved tough negotiators, but it's unlikely they'll be able to keep hold of the 21-year-old for too much longer. It was reported earlier this year that a fee of £50million could force Sporting's hand, with an elite team in Europe likely to take that plunge sooner rather than later.

Jorrel Hato - Ajax

Speaking of defensive starlets making waves on the continent, Jorrel Hato is attracting attention from some of Europe's big names, having shone in a relatively mediocre Ajax side. One of Hato's greatest strengths is his versatility, given he can play at both centre back and left-back. Hato, who made his full Netherlands debut as a teenager in 2023, does have three years left on his current Ajax deal, meaning a hefty sum might be needed to prise him away from the Dutch capital. But if he reaches the levels that are being mooted, it could prove value for money down the line.

Nathan Collins - Brentford

Perhaps a left-field shout considering it isn't as glamorous as the other options, but Nathan Collins has certainly gone under the radar at Premier League rivals Brentford. Having joined from Wolves in 2023, Collins established himself under Thomas Frank, with the new Tottenham Hotspur manager said to be considering a reunion in north London. At 24 years old, Collins certainly has time on his side and, unlike other potential targets, has plenty of Premier League experience to his name.