Liverpool ready to hand defender new contract as two centre-back targets emerge

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah is in line for a lucrative new long-term contract at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old centre-back has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign at Anfield after earning the trust of Jurgen Klopp and now he looks set for a key role under incoming boss Arne Slot.

Quansah only signed a new deal this time last year but Liverpool are prepared to offer him a substantial pay-rise following his efforts at the back this season having shone alongside captain and mentor Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool are expected to open talks with the England U21 international's agency CAA Base over fresh terms in the coming weeks. However, the decision will not change the club's plans in the summer transfer market when they intend to sign a new left-footed centre-back to bolster Slot's backline.

Eintracht Frankfurt's 22-year-old Colombian Willian Pacho is one of the key names of interest and discussions have already been held with his entourage, Kancha Agency, though Frankfurt could demand a fee close to £50m in order to agree to a sale.

Arsenal and several other top European clubs are also thought to be tracking Pacho, who has played 90 minutes in all but one of Frankfurt's Bundesliga matches this season.

Chelsea's Levi Colwill is another name of long-term admiration, however, the Blues are unlikely to entertain the prospect of a sale, particularly to a direct rival.

Liverpool looked at the 21-year-old last summer following an eye-catching loan spell with Brighton but he eventually committed his future to Chelsea by extending his stay at Stamford Bridge.

Joel Matip, a staple throughout Klopp's tenure, is currently out of contract at the end of the season and a call is yet to have been made on his future as he continues his rehabilitation following ACL surgery in December.

Young Dutch central defender Sepp van den Berg is expected to be handed the chance to impress in pre-season following a fine signing on loan in Germany with Mainz.

Liverpool are also expected to address Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah's contract situations with priority as both will have just one year left to run on their current deals come the end of the season.

The Reds are planning to keep hold of both of their star players and Van Dijk is understood to be excited by the prospect of teaming up with compatriot Slot, who he has already publicly praised during a recent interview with Viaplay after the 2-0 defeat at Everton.