By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

11th Jun, 2023 | 11:32am

Lynch: There is 'real chance' Liverpool will now sign defender

There is a real chance Liverpool will sign a versatile defender this summer capable of slotting into their new-look system, sources have told Football Insider.

It has been widely assumed that the Merseysiders would prioritise a right-sided defender who could replace, or deputise for, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

But it is believed that Liverpool are also looking at versatile left-sided options as the possibility grows that a new senior defender could be signed.

Andy Robertson played much of the team’s matches in the final two months of the season playing at left sided centre-back to cover for Alexander Arnold’s forward advances.

But Jurgen Klopp and the club’s recruitment team may regard that tole as not ideally suited to the strengths of Robertson or his deputy Konstantinos Tsimikas.

Liverpool are assessing potential defender signing options and, should an opportunity arise, they are expected to make a move for a summer signing.

Klopp used longstanding right-back Alexander-Arnold in an inverted role in the final two months of the season that saw him push into midfield when the team had the ball and then back into defence when they lost in.

Man City have also used John Stones in a similar role with huge success, most significantly in Saturday’s Champions League final triumph.

The evolution of the full-back role is likely to continue at both clubs next season, with Liverpool looking to claw back the big gap that City have built in recent months.

In other news, Liverpool have just completed ‘remarkable’ signing after Chelsea hijack.