Liverpool are understood to be exploring the potential signing of Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi as they step up their defensive recruitment ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The departure of Ibrahima Konate from Anfield has prompted the club to search for reinforcements at the back, with Zabarnyi emerging as a name of interest. Preliminary discussions are said to have taken place after Liverpool learned the Ukrainian international could be made available in the transfer market.
PSG are reportedly willing to entertain offers for the 23-year-old, provided clubs meet their asking price. The defender made the move to the French capital from Bournemouth last summer in a deal believed to have exceeded £50 million.
Zabarnyi is now said to be weighing up his future following a mixed debut season in Paris. While he made regular appearances in Ligue 1, his involvement in the UEFA Champions League — especially during the knockout rounds — was limited.
Liverpool’s pursuit may also be driven by the anticipated appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach. The Spanish tactician worked closely with Zabarnyi during his time at Bournemouth and is widely regarded as a keen admirer of the defender.
Talks are still in their infancy, but Zabarnyi is among a number of centre-backs being tracked by Liverpool as they plan for a post-Konate era.
