Overview

• France confirmed Ibrahima Konaté has a right quadriceps injury and sent him back to Liverpool, leaving his availability for the Manchester United match uncertain.
• With Giovanni Leoni out long term after an ACL tear, Arne Slot is left short at centre-back, relying on Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez while assessments continue on Konaté.
• Reports from TEAMtalk, echoed by EPL Index, say Liverpool have held initial and positive talks over Borussia Dortmund’s left-footed defender Nico Schlotterbeck.
• German outlets BILD and Sky Germany report Liverpool are interested in Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, whose deal runs to 2026 as Bayern seek an extension.
• Liverpool are also linked with RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, with reports suggesting a realistic fee near £52m despite a €90m clause, as rival interest grows from Premier League clubs and Real Madrid.