Liverpool in 3-horse race to sign experienced Premier League defender as Arne Slot seeks reinforcements: Reports

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping tabs on Fulham centre-back Joachim Andersen. Both teams are said to be in the market for a new central defender, according to reports from CaughtOffSide.

The aforementioned news outlet has also noted that Juventus will provide the Premier League sides with competition for the player's signing. However, Andersen will not be a cheap acquisition, with the defender having joined the Cottagers only this summer for a reported fee of €29.5 million.

He's signed a five-year deal with the London-based side, meaning he's contracted till the summer of 2029. Of course, the Denmark international boasts sufficient Premier League experience, having represented Crystal Palace before moving to Fulham.

It isn't surprising to see the Reds in the market for a new centre-back, given captain Virgil van Dijk has one year left on his deal at Anfield. Even with this being the case, it is believed that Andersen's future remains undecided.

CaughtOffSide have added that the 28-year-old's starting position isn't guaranteed at any of these sides. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the undoubted starters at Spurs, which will make it incredibly difficult for Andersen to break into the first XI.

Van Dijk partners Ibrahima Konate in defense at Anfield, and unless the Dutchman moves on, the Fulham man will find it hard to get sufficient game time here, too. To date, Andersen has made 39 appearances across competitions at Craven Cottage, bagging two goals and an assist.

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Jose Fonte urges Liverpool to replace Virgil van Dijk with Newcastle defender

Virgil van Dijk

Former Premier League defender Jose Fonte has urged Liverpool to sign Newcastle United's Sven Botman to replace Virgil van Dijk at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old is contracted at St. James' Park till the summer of 2027 and is an undoubted starter for the Magpies when fit. Speaking about replacing the Dutchman, Fonte said (via CaughtOffSide):

“I would love to see Sven Botman replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool and I think he has the ability to do it. I just hope that he [Sven Botman] can continue his progress after his injury and stay healthy. If he does that then I’m sure he’ll be considered by the Reds."

Botman has been sidelined with an ACL injury since March 2024 and has missed 26 matches across competitions for his club side since. Overall, he has played 66 matches for the Magpies, bagging two goals and assists each.