Liverpool 'monitoring' Premier League centre-back ahead of potential free transfer
- Joel Matip's Liverpool contract will expire in the summer; Al Ettifaq likely to present offer
- Virgil van Dijk also faces uncertain future but has moved to cool speculation
- Reds have several targets ahead of summer transfer window
By Tom Gott
Liverpool are keeping tabs on Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as they brace themselves for a potential defensive reshuffle this summer, according to a report.
32-year-old Joel Matip is out of contract this summer - Saudi Arabia's Al Ettifaq are expected to make him an offer - while Virgil van Dijk has also been the subject of speculation following news of Jurgen Klopp's upcoming departure.
The Dutchman recently had fans sweating with an admission that he was unsure what his future held but quickly clarified that he remains 100% committed to Liverpool.
With Liverpool prepared to enter the transfer market for a new defender this summer, the Evening Standard state that scouts have begun tracking 26-year-old Tosin, whose contract will expire at the end of the season.
Needing to boost their homegrown contingent, Tosin is seen as a smart target, while Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, who is also an impending free agent, has previously been discussed.
Liverpool have been linked with a handful of centre-backs in recent weeks, with Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio regularly touted as a potential signing.
Inacio's release clause sits at £51m, however, and so Liverpool appear to be exploring cheaper alternatives like Tosin, who was on Tottenham's radar during the January transfer window before their move for Radu Dragusin.
Tosin, a product of the Manchester City academy, has enjoyed four successful years with Fulham but came close to leaving last summer when he entered the final 12 months of his contract. Both Tottenham and Ligue 1 side Monaco were keen but a deal could not be struck with Fulham.
Alongside Tosin, Liverpool are known admirers of Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, who penned a new five-year deal at Craven Cottage just last summer, though they do have a fit-again Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas on their books. Joe Gomez has also impressed in an inverted cover role, reinforcing his ability to play anywhere across the backline.
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