Report: Liverpool want to sign La Liga defender on a free, but AC Milan are also interested

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Spanish website La Razon have claimed that Liverpool are battling AC Milan for Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi, with the Algerian centre-back available on a free transfer in the summer window.

Liverpool have strengthened their lack of options at centre-back by bringing in Ozan Kabak from Schalke and Ben Davies, who joined from Preston. They also have Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, all of whome are injured.

Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are also options, but it appears that Liverpool are still intent on adding to their options at the back. They have identified 59-time Algeria international Mandi, who is in his fifth season with La Liga side Real Betis.

He has clocked up 164 appearances in his five seasons with Betis, and is likely to surpass 175 matches before leaving this summer when his contract expires. The report states that both Liverpool and Milan are interested, given he is available for nothing.

TBR’s view – Mandi would be a strong signing

Looking at Liverpool’s current options, van Dijk and Gomez are clearly the strongest options. Matip is likely to be allowed to go as he has struggled to provide a reliable option during his time at Anfield – while Davies is yet to make his debut.

The ex-Preston man has already been linked with the exit door this summer. Kabak could be signed permanently, while Williams is young and Phillips could be allowed to go when everyone is fit. So, Liverpool might look for another defender.

On a free, Mandi makes complete sense. Certainly, Liverpool could find it easy to strike a deal, with TransferMarkt claiming that Mandi is represented by the same agency as Gomez – in Wasserman.