Liverpool emerge as suitors for cut-price Bundesliga centre-back - but Reds face transfer competition from Bayern Munich & Tottenham

According to Foot Mercato, the Reds are keen to add to their defensive options after the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. That has seen them turn their attentions to Castello Lukeba, the 22-year-old RB Leipzig centre-back.

Lubeka could be available for less than his €90 million (£78m/$106m) release clause, having made it clear to the club he would like to leave following the failure to qualify for the Champions League. He has a contract that runs until 2029 and has appeared for France but it seems a cut-price deal could be a possibility.

Liverpool face plenty of competition if they are to seal the deal. Bayern Munich and Tottenham want to sign the defender themselves, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all reportedly shown previous interest.

Liverpool have already spent around £200m ($273m) on Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez this summer and seem prepared to shell out more as they aim to defend their Premier League title next season.