Report: German club now find £20m replacement for player Arne Slot has told Liverpool to sign

As the end of March looms, Liverpool and many other clubs across Europe are already making transfer plans.

TBR Football understand Liverpool are ready to open talks with Bournemouth over a deal to sign Milos Kerkez – who Arne Slot wants to replace Kostas Tsimikas on the left.

However, Liverpool could also make an addition on the other side of defence, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.

Jeremie Frimpong is a target for Liverpool if the England international does leave Anfield – and there has now been an intriguing development involving the Dutchman.

Bayer Leverkusen identify Andrei Ratiu to replace Jeremie Frimpong

A story from AS in Spain now states that Bayer Leverkusen want to sign Andrei Ratiu as a replacement for the Netherlands international.

TBR Football have been informed that Slot told Liverpool to start working on a deal for Frimpong in February in case Alexander-Arnold does leave for Real Madrid, and the fact Bayer Leverkusen have now started to make contingency plans suggests they are very much preparing to lose the man from Amsterdam this summer.

Rayo Vallecano have already publicly addressed interest in Ratiu, with David Cobeno – the club’s Sporting Director – saying: “We’re very happy with Andrei here. The narrative is always the same. Whoever wants him will have to pay his release clause. Time will tell if he stays with us.”

AS add that the Romania international’s release clause is worth €25m (£20m).

Bayer Leverkusen face competition for Andrei Ratiu

If Bayer Leverkusen plan to keep Frimpong until a deal for Ratiu is done, Liverpool may have to hope that Xabi Alonso’s side win the race for his signature up against some fierce competition.

AS add that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are admirers of the Romanian, who has impressed with two goals and three assists across 27 appearances in La Liga this season.

Tottenham also like Ratiu – so Bayer Leverkusen do not have a free run at his signature by any means.