Liverpool have been told they will need to sign "at least" one new centre-back in the summer should Ibrahima Konate fail to agree a new contract. Konate is at present set to depart on a free transfer in the summer with talks over a new Anfield deal having yet to reach a resolution.

The Reds have already agreed a £60million deal with Rennes that will see 20-year-old French defender Jeremy Jacquet arrive in the summer.

There has been significant debate over Liverpool's centre-back options with skipper Virgil van Dijk turning 35 in the close season, Joe Gomez suffering fitness concerns during the past 18 months and Giovanni Leoni yet to play a full match due to an ACL injury.

And former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes the Reds would have no option but to replace Konate should the France international depart.

“If Ibrahima Konate leaves,...