Liverpool transfer news: £21m defender 'added' to shortlist amid Virgil van Dijk uncertainty

The Reds are at risk of losing three of their most influential players for free as Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are all due to see their contracts expire in the summer of 2025.

Netherlands international Van Dijk has spent almost seven full years at Anfield and has established himself as one of the greatest Premier League defenders during his time at Anfield.

The 33-year-old has won eight trophies at Liverpool, including one Premier League title and one Champions League, and has made a total of 279 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with 24 goals.

However, speculation over the long-term future of Van Dijk remains rife and Liverpool are believed to be eyeing up potential replacements should the towering centre-back depart at the end of the season.

Liverpool to move for Kayode in January?

A recent report claims that Liverpool may step up their pursuit of Sevilla defender Loic Bade, who could be prised away from the La Liga side for €25m (£20.9m) in January.

Arne Slot's side have also been linked with Fiorentina's Michael Kayode, with Corriere dello Sport, via the Liverpool Echo, claiming that the Reds have added the 20-year-old to their transfer shortlist.

The report adds that Kayode has previously been a target for Premier League quartet Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Brentford and Bournemouth in recent months.

It was also reported earlier this year that both Arsenal and Manchester City would battle for the signature of Kayode, but neither side decided to recruit the defender in the summer.

Liverpool are said to be weighing up submitting an offer for Kayode in January and it is understood that Fiorentina value the youngster at around £21m.

Who is Fiorentina starlet Kayode?

Born in Borgomanero, Italy, Kayode began his youth career with Juventus and Serie D outfit Gozzano before joining Fiorentina in 2021.

Kayode, primarily a right-back who can also operate at centre-back, made his Serie A debut for La Viola in August last year and went on to make a total of 37 first-team appearances across all competitions, scoring his first and only goal for the club in a league win over Lazio earlier this year.

The Italy Under-21 international has since made five appearances for Fiorentina this term, although he has only featured for 18 minutes across two substitute outings in Serie A.

Kayode, who was a Europa Conference League runner-up with Fiorentina last season, is under contract at the Stadio Artemio Franchi until the summer of 2028.