Liverpool now enter the race to sign France international who’s also wanted by PSG

Liverpool are looking to sign a France international, but there could be fierce competition in the race for his signature, with European champions Paris Saint-Germain also keen.

Indeed, the Reds are looking to make a statement signing, off the back of a 2-1 comeback victory at Brentford on Saturday, with Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak getting on the scoresheet in the second half, after Yehor Yarmolyuk was shown a red card.

Andoni Iraola has since emphasised the importance of the victory, with his side immediately getting back to winning ways following the 3-0 defeat against Manchester City at Anfield.

The Spaniard said: “Yes, definitely we got a good battle today. I think they are a very important three points for us because I think it’s very expensive to win here. I think Brentford are a very good team, especially at home, and to finish with three points here is very valuable.”

As ever, Virgil van Dijk played an important role, completing 13 defensive actions, winning all six of the duels he contested, and maintaining a pass-completion rate of 94%.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

However, there is still uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk’s long-term future at Anfield, with the Dutchman’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Graeme Souness has urged his former club to offer the defender an extension, saying: “I’ll be giving him another year anyway with an option to take a second year because he’s a Rolls-Royce of a player. And if anything, he’s got better the longer he’s been at Liverpool.”

However, the Reds have now entered contention to sign a new centre-back.

Liverpool join race to sign Pierre Kalulu

According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool have now entered the race to sign Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, but the French international is in high demand, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain also named as potential suitors.

However, the Italian side are determined to keep hold of the centre-back, and they remain in a strong negotiating position, given that his current contract isn’t due to expire until the summer of 2029.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke added: “Juventus are trying to keep hold of Kalulu, and I think there’ll be a lot of interest from other clubs as well, which would make it a real hard race to win for Liverpool and any other club.”

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti may be reluctant to lose the Frenchman too, after saying earlier this year: “He can do everything, both defending and attacking. He’s delivered beautiful crosses.”

A versatile player, the 26-year-old is capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, and he is averaging 5.5 defensive contributions per 90 in the Serie A this season, the third-highest number in the Juventus squad.