Report: Liverpool ask Bayer Leverkusen about defender, told to pay £44m

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German website Sport1 have claimed that Liverpool have asked Bayer Leverkusen about exciting young defender Edmond Tapsoba – but chose to pursue Ozan Kabak after being told it would take £44million to sign the Guinea international.

Liverpool are looking to complete two centre-back signings before Monday’s deadline, with Ben Davies undergoing a medical ahead of a £2million move from Preston. Kabak is also the subject of talks over a loan-to-buy deal from Schalke.

But The Reds asked about 21-year-old Tapsoba first. The African defender only joined Leverkusen back in January 2020 from Portuguese side Vitoria but has since played 44 matches for the German side, starring in the middle of their defence.

Liverpool have taken note, and made an enquiry for the centre-back over the course of the last 24 hours. However, their interest ended when Leverkusen told them they rate Topsoba at £44million – the Reds have since gone after Kabak.

TBR’s view – Liverpool should retain Topsoba interest until summer

A top, top player, Topsoba is likely to continue to improve and has the potential to become one of the best central defenders in Europe over the course of the next five years. Speed, strength, ability on the ball – Tapsoba has it all.

If in the summer he is still rated at £44million by Leverkusen, then Liverpool should really consider entering talks for the 12-time Guinea international. That price will only continue to rise the more he shines for Leverkusen.