Major defensive rebuild? Liverpool's shortlist revealed!

Liverpool's hierarchy is actively preparing for a major overhaul of the defensive line amid the age and uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of the club's key veterans.

Details: According to CaughtOffside, the Merseyside club's scouting department has drawn up a priority shortlist, with Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck and Murillo of Nottingham Forest emerging as the leading targets to strengthen the heart of the defence.

German defender Nico Schlotterbeck is viewed by the English club as the ideal replacement on the left side of central defence thanks to his impressive passing accuracy and aggressive tackling style. His potential release clause of €50M–€60M will only become available in 2027, but the Reds are already laying the groundwork. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Brazilian Murillo has made an excellent impression in the Premier League, but Nottingham Forest have categorically ruled out his sale during the upcoming winter transfer window, hoping to keep the player at least until the end of the current season.

As alternative top-class options, the club is also keeping an eye on Inter's Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona's Jules Kounde. Completing a deal for either defender would require significant financial investment, so Liverpool continues to weigh the risks and assess the candidates' availability ahead of the opening of the main transfer windows.

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