Liverpool told to ‘back off’ as European club attempt to ‘fend off attacks’ for £39m Man Utd target | OneFootball

Edmond Tapsoba challenges Youssoufa Moukoko.

According to reports, Liverpool have been told to ‘back off’ by Bayer Leverkusen as they show interest in Manchester United-linked defender Edmond Tapsoba.

Liverpool signed four new midfielders in the summer as they spent around £150m to bring in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

The Premier League giants were focused on rebuilding their midfield this summer and with this process now complete, they are likely to turn their attention to a new centre-back ahead of the winter transfer window.

Virgil van Dijk is arguably not the player he once was and with him now aged 32, a long-term replacement for the Dutchman is required.

German journalist Christian Falk has now claimed that Bayer Leverkusen’s Tapsoba has been on their radar.

The 24-year-old has impressed for the Bundesliga outfit of late and he was being monitored by Man Utd in the summer as they scoured the market for defenders who could replace Harry Maguire.

Tottenham have also been linked with Tapsoba, who was valued at around £39m by Leverkusen during the summer window.

But Leverkusen are arguably now able to demand an even bigger fee for Tapsoba as he has extended his contract until 2028.

Falk has suggested that Liverpool have been ‘told to back off in defender hunt’ by Leverkusen, who want ‘a lot of money’ for their prized asset.

‘Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended central defender Edmond Tapsoba’s contract until 2028,’ Falk wrote for Caught Offside.

‘This is intended to fend off further attacks from Liverpool FC, who were always interested in the defender. Jörg Schmadtke can save himself the call in winter or pack a lot of money in his suitcase.’

Regarding Gravenberch, Liverpool expert Neil Jones has explained why he thinks the midfielder will “fit into” Jurgen Klopp’s system.

“What he brings is a real mix of technical and physical quality, and a really high ceiling in terms of potential. Liverpool have a lot of versatile midfield players now, a lot of players who can do a bit of everything, and I expect Gravenberch to fit into that rotation,” Jones told Caught Offside.

“At Bayern, he suffered because of the system, not quite a No.6 and not able to get in as a No.10, but at Liverpool there should be ample opportunity to play in Klopp’s three-man midfield.

“He knows he needs to deliver – I believe that is a key factor behind his decision to withdraw from the Netherlands U21 squad – and I believe Liverpool will have a motivated player on their hands, one who has a good chance of fitting in really well in the Premier League.”