Liverpool transfer news: Reds to rival Atletico Madrid for RB Leipzig defender?

Both clubs endured disappointing ends to their campaign in 2023-24, finishing third and fourth in the Premier League and La Liga.

As a result, there will be somewhat of a rebuilding job taking place at each of Anfield and Estadio Civitas Metropolitano over the next month.

While there have been no notable incomings at either club, there has been an array of departures, mostly on free transfers, with Joel Matip leaving Liverpool and Mario Hermoso moving on from Atletico representing the defensive developments.

Arne Slot and Diego Simeone will each bring in fresh faces for that area of the pitch in due course, and it appears that they may attempt to acquire a player currently plying his trade in the Bundesliga.

Simakan attracting interest from England, Spain

According to Sky Sports Deutschland journalist Philipp Hinze, who was commenting on X, Liverpool and Atletico have expressed an interest in signing Mohamed Simakan.

The 24-year-old was a regular in the Leipzig side during 2023-24, making a total of 30 starts and nine substitute outings in the top flight and Champions League.

That has taken the former France Under-21 international up to 120 appearances in three years, contributing an impressive seven goals and 13 assists.

Simakan has been deployed in a range of positions during his time with Leipzig, either featuring at right-back, centre-back or wing-back at various points last season.

Is a deal likely to be successfully negotiated?

Per the report, it is claimed that no official negotiations have been conducted or offers made, despite there being what is described as "concrete" interest.

While Simakan is open to a new challenge if the right one materialises, the former Strasbourg man is said to be happy with life at Leipzig.

Hinze adds that Leipzig are unlikely to consider the sale of Simakan for anything below €40m (£33.62m), a figure that is more likely to be paid by Liverpool than it is Atletico.

The Merseyside giants require cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and extra competition in the middle of defence. Simakan would tick several boxes.

Atletico are in desperate need of reinforcements at the back, but they may not be in the financial position to spend so much money on one player with sales.