Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool line up February talks to secure summer deal for upgrade on exit-linked defender

Inter Milan defenders Milan Skriniar and Stefan De Vrik 2021

Liverpool are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window after planning to send representatives to Italy in February for two transfers, according to reports.

Jurgen Klopp’s side made one signing in the January transfer window, bringing in Luis Diaz. After strengthening their attack, they will have further business to think about in the summer.

Liverpool may have to revert their attention to their defence, although they are currently well stocked there. Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are their current options.

Their competition for places there led them to loan out Nat Phillips to Bournemouth on deadline day. His future after the Championship spell is impossible to predict at this stage.

In theory, he could seek a permanent exit – and he may not be the only one. Gomez has also been tipped to look for pastures new after falling down the pecking order.

Therefore, Liverpool could need to replenish their backline once again. And with that in mind, Tuttomercatoweb are linking them with Milan Skriniar.

The Slovakia international has represented Inter since 2017, winning Serie A with them last season. His contract at San Siro only runs until 2023.

Diaz is Mane's successor, Reds still looking for Salah's

Diaz is Mane's successor, Reds still looking for Salah's

Liverpool are making their Salah situation a lot harder than it needs to be.

Skriniar has been linked with a Premier League move for some time, but has frequently committed to Inter. By the summer, though, only one year will remain on his deal.

According to TMW, Liverpool representatives will be travelling to Italy in February. On the agenda will be to explore a possible deal for Skriniar.

Milan Skriniar

Contacts could be initiated over a move for the centre-back, who is closing in on 200 appearances for Inter.

At the age of 26, he is entering his prime years – and Liverpool could try to get him to spend them at Anfield.

Dybala joins Skriniar on Liverpool wishlist

But their main focus could still be on their attack, despite the addition of Diaz. Doubts remain over the future of Mohamed Salah, who is – like Skriniar – out of contract in 2023.

There are fears he could accept a big-money move away if Liverpool cannot satisfy the wage demands of one of the best players in the world.

Liverpool therefore may still need to find a replacement to compete with the likes of Diaz and Diogo Jota. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino both also have expiring deals in 18 months’ time.

One attacker who has subsequently been linked to fill any potential void is Paulo Dybala. The Argentine forward has an even more pressing contract situation; his terms with Juventus are up at the end of the season.

Paulo Dybala during a warm-up for Juventus

Liverpool are following developments closely in case Dybala does not renew in Turin. At the age of 28, it could be time for a new challenge – potentially in the Premier League.

The next month could be crucial for Liverpool to lay the groundworks for any deal for Dybala. If Skriniar joins too, it could be an exciting summer window on Merseyside.

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