EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool eye Tomas Araujo as an alternative to Dean Huijsen | OneFootball

Liverpool are looking to bolster their defensive ranks this summer.

Right now, a new right-back is a priority for the Premier League champions and the Reds appear to have settled on Jeremie Frimpong as the man to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A new left-back is expected with Milos Kerkez currently the favourite to move to Anfield this summer. The Hungary full-back would replace Kostas Tsimikas in the squad and battle it out with Andrew Robertson for a place in Arne Slot’s starting XI.

The centre-back situation is complicated.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Instagram that contract talks between Ibrahima Konate and Liverpool are not advancing. The 25-year-old will have just 12 months remaining on his current deal at the end of the season. It is believed that the former RB Leipzig man wants £200,000-per-week, a salary that would see him catapult up the list of high earners at Anfield, amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Jarell Quansah is liked by Newcastle United and could well be sacrificed this summer as Richard Hughes looks to reshape the squad in Arne Slot’s image. Joe Gomez could depart in search of first-team football, though his versatility and homegrown status does make him a valuable asset.

Dean Huijsen is a target for the Reds. He’s also well liked by Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal. His £50million release clause makes him one of the best value for money opportunities on the market this summer. The Reds want to add a centre-back if they can. Unlike previous campaigns, it isn’t going to be a case of top target or bust.

Dean Huijsen is a target for the Reds. He’s also well liked by Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal. His £50million release clause makes him one of the best value for money opportunities on the market this summer. The Reds want to add a centre-back if they can. Unlike previous campaigns, it isn’t going to be a case of top target or bust.

If Huijsen opts to go elsewhere, there are alternatives on Liverpool’s radar.

Anfield Watch understands that Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo is one of those players.

The 22-year-old has been turning out for Benfica at right-back this term and is reportedly well liked by both Manchester United and Chelsea. Paris Saint-Germain looked at him last summer before settling on Willian Pacho.

Araujo signed a new deal with the Lisbon giants in December. This contract is believed to include an €80million (£67million) release clause, significantly more than his current €32million valuation. The Portugal international has ties to Ali Barat.

This is where things get a little interesting with Barat having connections to Huijsen.

According to Simon Phillips, Barat is determined to get the Dutch-born Spain international to Stamford Bridge this summer. Liverpool have Huijsen as a priority but have discussed Araujo with Barat.

The 22-year-old is viewed as a player of interest rather than a priority by the Reds. At 6ft2, the big appeal is his explosive pace, he clocked a top speed of just shy of 36km/h in the Champions League this term, and his ability to defend the right channel having been used as a right-back. He's not top of the list of the Premier League champions but his name is one to keep an eye on.