Add to Preferred Sources

Tottenham owned defender Luka Vušković

Liverpool have quietly entered the race for one of Europe’s most in-demand young defenders; Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vuskovic.

Sport BILD report that Liverpool have held internal discussions over the 19-year-old centre-back as he continues to shine at HSV Hamburg.

The loan has worked out brilliantly for everyone involved, which is rare as far as temporary deals go.

Konaté replacement at Anfield

Sport BILD report that Real Madrid have placed Ibrahima Konaté on their shortlist for the summer, with his contract expiring at that moment in time.

Should Liverpool lose the 26-year-old, the club will need a ready-made successor, and that’s where Vuskovic enters the picture.

The youngster has exploded during his loan at Hamburg this season after joining on loan from Tottenham in the summer. He has been one of the Bundesliga’s standout young players, earning him attention from around Europe.

His performances have been so impressive that Liverpool have begun discussing him internally as a contingency option if Konaté departs.

Europe’s elite circling, but Liverpool have a path

This week's edition of SportBild throws Liverpool into the mix for Tottenham's Luka Vuskovic
This week’s edition of SportBild throws Liverpool into the mix for Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic

Luka Vuskovic has a list of European sides interested in him thanks to his performances this season:

Barcelona are pushing hardest, with Ivan Rakitic personally recommending his compatriot to the club. Real Madrid have revived their interest, after missing out on him to Tottenham earlier in his career.

Chelsea are also monitoring the situation while Bundesliga giants, such as Bayern Munich are also circling. But Liverpool’s situation is unique. If Konaté leaves, a starting spot opens up immediately.

That is something Vuskovic is said to value highly after feeling he was overlooked by Tottenham last year. The Reds, though, have already secured Jeremy Jacquet so that will need to be considered.

Tottenham’s stance

Luka Vuskovic is set to return to Tottenham on June 30th, but their relationship is strained. He was frustrated by being deemed not ready for the Premier League last summer. He now wants to play in Europe next season and compete for titles.

His market value is already around €60m and could rise if he impresses at the World Cup in the summer.

Tottenham would demand a premium, but Liverpool are discussing the defender internally regardless. He’s on their list if Konaté departs.

Another option for the Reds is Castello Lukeba, with sources telling Sport Witness that Liverpool interest is genuine. The RB Leipzig player is open to a Premier League transfer, depending on the project presented to him.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR