Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of agreeing to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds have been decimated in defence this season, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all ruled out for the rest of the campaign. Even Nathaniel Phillips, who has filled in admirably in recent months, is now also missing with a hamstring injury.

It seems highly likely that at least one centre-back will arrive at Anfield in the summer transfer window, with Konate one of those constantly linked with a move to Merseyside.

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Romano claims Konate deal is done

On Friday evening, Romano took to Twitter to claim that Liverpool are on the verge of agreeing a five-year deal for the Frenchman, with the 21-year-old costing around £35m.

He claimed that "the deal is set to be completed", with "personal terms agreed" on a five-year contract, and it is now seemingly a case of the finishing touches being made.

Transfer Tavern take

Konate is a defender with huge potential, so he should undoubtedly be seen as an exciting signing, having already made 92 appearances for Leipzig despite his tender years. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson hailed the youngster as being "strong, powerful" and "good in the air" when speaking to Football Insider in recent weeks.

The one slight concern is that he has an iffy injury record of his own, however, making only six Bundesliga starts this season, but Liverpool's medical staff surely believe it isn't a problem.

It will be interesting to see if Ozan Kabak is also signed on a permanent deal, with him and Konate having the potential to be the Reds' long-term centre-back pairing, with Gomez also clearly in the mix, in that respect.

In other news, some Liverpool fans absolutely love a new song which has emerged for one Reds player. Read more here.