Liverpool are reportedly looking to activate the release clause in the contract of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde this month.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the La Liga outfit, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid all thought to be interested in the France international.
However, El Nacional reports that Liverpool are 'willing to pay' Kounde's €90m (£75m) release clause to sign him in January, with the defender also keen to make the mid-season switch to Anfield.
The report adds that Sevilla are desperate to keep hold of Kounde until the summer, with director of football Monchi set to hold talks with the defender to try and persuade him to stay.
Jurgen Klopp is believed to have identified Kounde as his primary defensive target and has informed the club's hierarchy to recruit the Frenchman this month as he fears that their rivals will look to sign him in the summer.
Kounde has been a standout performer for a Sevilla side who currently sit second in La Liga, making 17 league appearances and keeping nine clean sheets this season.
Oliver Thomas
