Liverpool could make a huge move for Kalidou Koulibaly this summer and, according to one report, they might use Dejan Lovren to try and bring the price down.
Jurgen Klopp's side wrapped up the Premier League title at the first time of asking on Thursday night when Manchester City lost to Chelsea, after a season of utter dominance from the Anfield side.
The Liverpool manager isn't going to rest on his laurels though and reports have linked the club with a move for Napoli defender Koulibaly.
Advert
The Italian's want in the region of £90 million but, according to Tuttosport, the Reds' are hoping to drive the price down by offering Lovren as part exchange, although some might argue the Croatian should up the price.
Should the English champions manage to get their hands on Koulibaly, whether Lovren is involved in the deal or not, then they would easily have the best centre back partnership in the world.
The Senegal defender is considered one of the few who can rival Liverpool's own Virgil van Dijk as the best centre back in the world and the pairing would only serve to strengthen the English, European and World club champions.
Advert
Lovren, who has often in the past been the butt of jokes for opposition fans, only has one year remaining on his deal and has played just 10 games in the league this season.
With Joel Matip and Joe Gomez impressing next to Van Dijk there's little chance of the 30-year-old reclaiming a regular starting position alongside the former Southampton defender, especially if Koulibaly was added to the side.
The Napoli defender has also been linked with both Manchester City and Manchester United in the past, with both the Manchester clubs having more need for a centre back.
Advert
Aymeric Laporte's injury early in the season was a big part of Pep Guardiola's side's capitulation in their title defence which allowed Liverpool to run away with the league.
The lack of form for John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi led to Fernandinho having to fill in at centre back after the club failed to replace Vincent Kompany.
Harry Maguire has helped improve United's defence this season but questions still remain over his pace as well as the form of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, whilst Chris Smalling is expected to be sold in the summer.
Liverpool already have the best defence in the Premier League, imagine adding Koulibaly to it, this might not be a one off domination of England's top tier.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Football News, Dejan Lovren, Serie A, Transfer stories, Transfer rumours, Premier League, Napoli, Transfer news, Kalidou Koulibaly, Transfer reports