Reds still expected to sign a defender this summer

Liverpool remain in the market to sign a new defender despite pulling out of any pursuit for Mattijs de Ligt, according to the Evening Standard.

The Ajax captain was heavily linked with a move to Anfield, where he could have partnered international teammate Virgil van Dijk in defence.

However, news broke yesterday that the 19-year-old is not on Liverpool’s radar at all, with a move to Barcelona now fully expected.

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Captain, Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax looks on during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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The Reds’ interest in De Ligt cooled over the past season as Joe Gomez came of age at centre-back and the Ajax player’s valuation steadily increased to what is now believed to be £60million.

The Standard suggest that Jurgen Klopp is only interested in paying big money for players who are guaranteed starters, like Alisson and Van Dijk.

Liverpool will continue to look for defensive reinforcements this summer, with Alberto Moreno set to leave on a free transfer and Simon Mignolet likely to depart.

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Source: anfieldhq.com