Liverpool have reportedly not ruled out the prospect of making an effort to sign Chelsea defender Levi Colwill this summer.
On the face of it, the Reds might not be in desperate need of a new central defender, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk regarded as their first-choice centre-back pairing.
Konate and Van Dijk have played a key part in Liverpool establishing the league's second-best defensive record with just 26 goals conceded in 28 games.
A sturdy backline has provided the solid foundations for Arne Slot's side to move 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Nevertheless, the Reds could still look to recruit a new centre-back, especially with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
Liverpool identify Colwill as Huijsen alternative
Van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season, although talks are believed to be ongoing about a new deal.
Meanwhile, Gomez has struggled with injury this term, and his lack of playing time could persuade Liverpool to listen to offers in the summer.
Liverpool are believed to view Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen as one of their main defensive targets for the summer transfer window.
However, Rousing The Kop are reporting that Liverpool are considering Chelsea's Colwill as an alternative option to Huijsen.
The report states that the Reds have a 'long-standing interest' in the 22-year-old defender and could make an effort to 'tempt' Chelsea into a sale.
However, the Blues are under no immediate pressure to sanction Colwill's departure, with the player under contract until the summer of 2029 with an option to extend by a further 12 months.
Colwill has also been a regular fixture in Enzo Maresca's side this season, having started 25 of the club's 27 Premier League matches.
Who else are Liverpool considering?
The report also claims that Liverpool are considering a couple of other centre-back targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
They are believed to be admirers of Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, who has made 201 first-team appearances since graduating from the academy of the Portuguese giants.
Inacio, who has 12 Portugal caps to his name, has helped Sporting win two Primeira Liga titles, two Portuguese League Cups and one Portuguese Super Cup.
Meanwhile, Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez is another player who is understood to be on Liverpool's radar.
Ordonez has made 33 competitive appearances this season, including starts in each of Club Brugge's 10 Champions League games, helping the Belgian side set up a last-16 tie against Aston Villa. body check tags ::
