Liverpool have been dealt an early blow in the pursuit of one of their defensive targets, who has reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund.
New Reds boss Arne Slot will see Joel Matip officially walk out of the door over the weekend when his contract expires, and he could be one of a handful of defenders on the move.
Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams - two heroes from the 2020-21 campaign - are likely to be sold too, while Sepp van den Berg has not been shy in confirming his desire to leave this summer.
The Reds will still have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez available at the back, but the former's deal runs out in 2025, and the latter's long-term future is not set in stone either.
As a result, defensive reinforcements are thought to be a top priority for the Reds this summer, and their search reportedly led them to make an enquiry about Stuttgart captain Waldemar Anton.
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German director confirms Anton move to Dortmund
The centre-back excelled in the heart of the Stuttgart backline last season with one goal and four assists from 37 matches in all tournaments, playing a fundamental role in his side's unexpected Champions League qualification.
With Anton marshalling the defence, Stuttgart kept 11 clean sheets, and the 27-year-old was rewarded with both a new contract until 2027 and a call-up to the Germany team for Euro 2024.
Anton has been an unused substitute throughout the tournament so far, losing out to Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger for defensive starts, but his domestic form attracted plenty of suitors.
All of Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund - now managed by ex-Reds midfielder Nuri Sahin - were said to have taken a liking to him, but Anton's switch to the latter has now been confirmed.
Former Germany striker Rudi Voller - now the director of the national team - revealed Anton's next move to reporters, saying: "He ultimately decided on Borussia Dortmund. My former club Bayer Leverkusen also wanted him," as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
What other defenders can Liverpool target?
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Missing out on Anton no doubt represents a huge early transfer blow for Liverpool boss Slot, who could have been working with a 6ft 2in centre-back brimming with leadership experience and also capable of playing on the right or as a number six.
However, the Merseyside giants are still said to have several defensive names on their shortlist, perhaps none more prominent than Lille teenager Leny Yoro, who is at the centre of a heated four-team tussle.
All of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also trying to tempt the 18-year-old away from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, but the latter are considered the firm favourites at this stage.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is also said to be of interest but could cost in the region of £60m, while reunions with Feyenoord duo Lutsharel Geertruida and David Hancko have been mooted, and the latter's wife recently talked up a move away from Rotterdam.
Ben Knapton
