Liverpool are reportedly in a three-way fight with Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah.
The Germany international is in the final stages of his contract with Leverkusen and is widely expected to leave for pastures new this summer.
Bayern Munich were heavily linked with Tah during last summer’s transfer window, but the centre-back remained with Xabi Alonso‘s side, and he has again been a vital player this season, making 40 appearances, scoring twice and registering one assist.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are now firmly in the running for Tah, with the Reds preparing to battle Tottenham and Barcelona for his signature.
The report claims that Barcelona are at the head of the queue for the German, but Liverpool are seen as genuine contenders, with Arne Slot‘s side potentially in the market for a replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
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Liverpool ‘to battle Barca, Spurs’ for Tah deal
Liverpool are yet to come to an agreement with Van Dijk over a new contract, meaning that, as it stands, the experienced defender will be leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarrell Quansah would be Liverpool’s centre-back options if Van Dijk were to leave, so it would not be a surprise to see a couple of new players arriving in that area of the field this summer.
Tah has made 40 appearances for Leverkusen this season, while he is closing in on 400 outings for the German giants in all competitions since arriving from Hamburger SV in 2015.
Players of Tah’s age (29) and ilk do not often become available on free transfers, so there is expected to be a huge fight for his services during the summer market, with at least two Premier League clubs seemingly in the running.
However, it would be incredibly difficult for him to turn down a move to Barcelona if that opportunity was presented.
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Are any other free agents of interest to Liverpool?
Lille forward Jonathan David is set to be another high-profile player available for free this summer, with Manchester United and Barcelona believed to be among the clubs keen on the 25-year-old.
Bayern Munich‘s Leroy Sane is also out of contract at the end of June, and it is not impossible to imagine the Germany international returning to the Premier League with Slot’s side.
Liverpool could lose three of their most influential players on free transfers this summer, though, with Trent Alexander-Arnold said to have already agreed to make the move to Real Madrid, while Mohamed Salah is yet to come to an agreement over a fresh deal.
Van Dijk, as mentioned, is another in the final stages of his contract with the runaway Premier League leaders.
