Liverpool begin pre-summer move for £21m right-back, Slot’s a huge fan

Liverpool are set for some big changes this summer and are now making pre-window advances to bring in a talented defender to bolster the ranks at Anfield.

Liverpool could be set for landscape to change under Arne Slot

Arne Slot has become a heroic figure on the red half of Merseyside since arriving from Feyenoord last summer and did his reputation no harm during the week as Liverpool saw off rivals Everton to maintain their 12-point advantage at the Premier League summit.

Despite the euphoric scenes at Anfield, some supporters are trepidatious heading into the summer due to heavy rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold is on his way to Real Madrid.

The Reds academy graduate isn’t the only one with an uncertain future at the club. Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have yet to commit to fresh terms despite being on the cusp of claiming a Premier League medal.

Sending the transfer mill into overdrive, Liverpool are now said to be eyeing a move for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and hold out hope the French playmaker could join on a cheap deal following news he has agreed to leave for around £25 million.

On the same token, Freiburg right-back Kiliann Sildillia has been lined up as a potential Alexander-Arnold replacement, albeit Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion want to sign the Bundesliga star this summer.

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Whatever circumstances fall Liverpool’s way over the next few months, Slot doesn’t appear to have much time to waste. He has now reportedly set his sights on an alternative defensive target to add some solidity to his backline.

Liverpool make advances to sign Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have identified Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu as a target to replace Alexander-Arnold, and club chiefs have already initiated pre-summer moves to bring the Romania international to Anfield.

Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen are also in hot pursuit of the 26-year-old, who has registered two goals and three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this season.

Possessing a release clause of around £21 million, Ratiu could be on the market for a relatively cheap price as Liverpool scour the market for contingencies should Alexander-Arnold complete a free transfer to Real Madrid.

Conor Bradley is another exciting alternative in reserve, though his injury status in recent times shows the need for reliable cover on the right-hand side of defence. Importantly, Slot sees Ratiu as a ‘perfect fit’ for his high-octane system, indicating he has done his homework on the Aiud-born man ahead of the window.

Until Alexander-Arnold’s departure is officially ratified, supporters will hold out hope that a fairytale u-turn from the Three Lions international could be on the cards.