Liverpool make contact to sign ‘very powerful’ ex-Man City man

Liverpool are looking hard at their defence as plans for the next transfer window start to take shape.

Liverpool’s defensive search brings Diouf and Colwill into focus

This week’s reports have pointed towards targets on the left and in the middle, with El Hadji Malick Diouf and Levi Colwill both attracting attention from the Reds.

Swiss outlet 4-4-2 reported that Liverpool and Chelsea had spoken to Diouf’s representatives, and their update also mentioned a possible fee of up to £50m for the Brentford defender.

The Senegal international only moved from West Ham in August, and his contract runs until 2031, while there is also some resistance to the speculation.

REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

TEAMtalk reported on Friday that Brentford intend to keep him, while its sources traced Liverpool’s interest back to the summer and played down a January approach.

Colwill would present another difficult negotiation, and while Liverpool remain keen after previous approaches, they’ve so far failed to persuade Chelsea to sell.

The Blues are preparing to discuss improved terms with their academy graduate, with a new agreement expected to become a priority in 2027.

Colwill already has a contract until 2029, plus a club option, so Chelsea have plenty of room to resist Liverpool’s advances.

Liverpool’s interest is clear, but both stories involve clubs with plenty of control over their defenders’ futures.

Liverpool make Pedro Porro enquiry as Tottenham set their price

Now, it is believed that Liverpool have also checked on Tottenham star Pedro Porro as they examine options for the opposite flank.

Bailey’s latest TEAMtalk report says the Reds have made an enquiry about the Spurs right-back, while Chelsea and his former club Man City have asked about him too.

The 27-year-old has proven Premier League pedigree and returned from the summer as a World Cup winner with Spain. However, the destination Porro reportedly prefers would take him out of English football.

Bailey says a return to Spain appeals most to the ‘very powerful‘ defender, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both interested as Porro has his ‘heart set’ on a move back home.

His representatives are understood to be concentrating on those possibilities, creating an obvious obstacle for Liverpool, and Tottenham have considerable protection through a contract running until 2031.

Bailey reports that their valuation would require an interested club to pay more than £57m.

REUTERS/Umit Bektas

Barça are considering whether they can make something happen in January, although they would need to bring money in through a departure first.

Real are said to be looking towards the summer, giving the Spanish clubs different possible routes towards a deal.

Araujo talks add another twist to Liverpool’s Porro interest

REUTERS/Phil Noble

The most intriguing twist involves Ronald Araújo, who is on loan from Barcelona, as Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool making that deal permanent is ‘definitely one to watch’ for 2027.

Money from his sale could help the Catalans pursue their own targets, so Liverpool could seal one defensive signing while helping a rival bidder find the funds for Porro.

That alone should not decide what happens with Araujo, as Liverpool need to judge his value to their team and negotiate the right terms for themselves.

It does, however, show why their defensive business needs to be considered together.

Paying for Araujo and pursuing Porro would require a clear decision over roles, spending and which position is Iraola’s priority.

Porro’s willingness is another important test, and before allowing this pursuit to consume too much time, Liverpool would need to establish whether he could genuinely picture his future at Anfield.

For Liverpool, the sensible approach is to keep asking questions while protecting their other options.