Liverpool make unexpected January approach for player earmarked by Arne Slot as Reds go in search of defensive reinforcements

Per Il Resto del Carlino, the Reds have approached Bologna in a bid to sign their central defender Sam Beukema, a player whom Arne Slot knows very well from his time in the Eredivisie. Beukema joined AZ in 2021, a season after Slot left the club to join Feyenoord. The Dutch coach later reportedly tried to sign the defender at Feyenoord, but he failed in his pursuit.

The report further adds that the Reds are looking to bolster their backline and as a result have approached Bologna with a formal offer, although, the Italian club have rejected the initial bid. The Premier League giants, however, are likely to go after the 26-year-old in the summer again.

Last October, Beukema had hinted that he would love to play for the Merseyside club in future. He also revealed that it is his dream to play in the Premier League and that he is an ardent West Ham fan.

Slot's side, who have a six-point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand, will be next seen in action in the Premier League on January 14 as they take on in-form Nottingham Forest away from home.