Liverpool ‘battling’ with Xabi Alonso for defender as Barcelona ‘make’ Luiz Dias transfer decision

Liverpool are reportedly at risk of losing out on a defensive 'target' to Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen, albeit it is said a deal has not yet been finalised.

The Reds are seeking a new centre-half this summer and reports have linked them with Stuttgart captain Waldemar Anton. The 27-year-old was pivotal to his side finishing second in the Bundesliga and securing Champions League football last season.

Anton - currently away with Germany at Euro 2024 - still has three years left on his deal but is thought to have a release clause of around £20m. It is unclear whether Liverpool have reached out but Sky Germany claims that Leverkusen have.

READ MORE: Liverpool Premier League fixtures confirmed with Arne Slot first game revealed

READ MORE: Liverpool's nightmare scenario could be about to unfold because of new Champions League format

In fact, it says that Alonso has touched base regarding a long-term deal, with Leverkusen said to be frontrunners in the race. Stuttgart skipper Anton has never played in Europe, having only moved from second-tier Hannover in 2020.

Liverpool are meanwhile spying a deal for 18-year-old Leny Yoro should a transfer to Real Madrid break down, with the club keen to recruit a new centre-half amid the exit of Joel Matip upon the end of his contract this month.

Meanwhile, Spanish outlet Sport says Barcelona have made Luis Diaz their main summer target in their hunt for a new left winger. The Colombian still has three years left on his deal and Liverpool do not appear to be in any rush to make a decision over his future.

The report says Deco is an admirer of Diaz, though, and will look to lure him to the Nou Camp before the start of next season. However, the La Liga giants are facing financial difficulty within spending rules amid their ongoing deep debts. Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with Diaz.