Richard Hughes is said to be a big fan of the defender.

Liverpool are reportedly ready to advance their interest for a highly-rated defender viewed as the ideal replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

Despite a quiet start, Liverpool had a busy end to the summer transfer window, securing deals for Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa before the window closed.

However, some fans were disappointed that the Reds failed to bring in a new centre-back over the summer to replace club legend Joel Matip who left as a free agent at the end of last season.

But now, a new report has suggested that Liverpool have identified their top target in the centre of defence and are preparing to step up their pursuit.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool are considering making a move for Loic Bade, with sporting director Richard Hughes said to have shown a ‘persistent interest’ in luring the player to Anfield.

The 24-year-old, who previously spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest, has impressed while playing for La Liga side Sevilla, where he has made 63 appearances since joining in 2023.

But, a deal for the Frenchman will not be easy with the Spanish club said to be unwilling to accept any less than the player’s release clause, which is reported to be set at €60m.

Furthermore, Liverpool are not the only club monitoring the talented defender, with German giants Bayern Munich and French champions Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly interested.

Loic Bade joined current club Sevilla in 2023. (Image: Getty)

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a then club-record fee of £75m and has become one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

The Dutchman, who now captains the Reds, has made 267 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, keeping 105 clean sheets and scoring 22 goals.

However, with his contract set to expire at the end of this season and no signs of an extension as of yet, it would make sense that Hughes would want to explore options for a potential replacement as soon as possible.

That being said, while on international duty, Van Dijk suggested that he would like to extend his stay at Anfield, seemingly making the need for a replacement less urgent.