Liverpool enter four-way battle for one of the quickest defenders alive

Liverpool are one of four clubs battling it out for the fastest centre-back in the Premier League, reports claim.

The Reds missed out on top centre-back target Marc Guehi in the summer, the deal falling through at the eleventh hour on transfer deadline day.

With 19-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni out for a year after suffering ACL injury in his debut and Ibrahima Konate's future still uncertain, Liverpool are desperate to bring in a new central defender.

According to TEAMTalk, Liverpool are looking to bring in Konate's compatriot Maxence Lacroix but face stiff competition to secure his signature.

The Crystal Palace man, Guehi's former defensive partner, made his debut for France against Brazil in their 2-1 win at the Gillette Stadium on Thursday.

He was then rewarded with his first start in a 3-1 win against Colombia for Didier Deschamps side.

In contention for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, the former Wolfsburg defender's stock is on the rise - with journalist Graeme Bailey claiming that Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa are the three Premier League sides keen.

Lacroix is of huge importance to Palace. Image: Getty

However, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich are also admirers of Lacroix and have been keeping tabs.

Palace have been decimated with recent departures of Eberechi Eze and Guehi, with manager Oliver Glasner also leaving at the end of the season.

Lacroix is another huge asset who the Eagles do not want to lose but they are in a stronger position to fend off interest as he is on a contract until 2029 and there is no release clause in his deal.

Lacroix leads Premier League metric

Lacroix has been a mainstay in Palace's side, missing just two Premier League games and only failing to complete 90 minutes on one occasion.

He is tidy on the ball and a huge reason why clubs are interested in him is his excellent recovery pace. This season, Lacroix clocked in with a top speed of 35.39 km/h - making him the fastest centre-back in the Premier League at present.

That speed was recorded in a game against Newcastle, with all the players above him either full-backs or forward players.