Liverpool to battle Real Madrid for Virgil van Dijk replacement
One of the early positives at Liverpool under Andoni Iraola is a marked improvement to the defence.
New arrival Jeremy Jacquet has formed a solid partnership with Virgil van Dijk and loanee Ronald Araujo has done a fantastic job as a makeshift right-back.
Recent weeks have seen a slip in that improvement, with the Reds conceding three to both Manchester City and LASK, but overall the unit seems to be moving in a positive direction.
There is still work to be done though and, with the potential exit of the legendary Virgil van Dijk looming, Liverpool are set to take on Real Madrid for one of Europe's top defenders.
Liverpool still chasing defensive wonderkid
Luka Vuskovic has been a revelation this season in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old moved to Brighton for a club record £46 million fee and has already asserted himself as one of the best defenders in the division.
Having started every game for the Seagulls in the league this year, Vuskovic has played a massive part in the club's early success.
This hasn't gone unnoticed however, and now two of the biggest club's in world football are pursuing the teenager.
That's according to a report from Football Insider, which claims that Vuskovic finds himself high up on the shortlists of both Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The Reds interest dates back to before Vuskovic even signed for Brighton, with the recruitment team keeping close tabs on the Croation during his loan spell at Hamburg last season.
In the summer it wasn't yet clear whether the youngster was ready for Premier League football, but the 10-capped Croatia international has now proven himself to be more than capable.
The report does state that Brighton believe Vuskovic is a £100 million footballer already, a fee that would make him the most expensive defender in the history of the game.
Vuskovic would also be Liverpool's fourth signing for over £100 million in just three years if he were to join for that fee in the summer.
The finances rumoured to be involved in the deal could leave the Reds at a disadvantage, but they will still compete with Los Blancos for Vuskovic's signature.
