Liverpool are not in the race to sign Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Mandi out

The 29-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Anfield last summer after the departure of Dejan Lovren, who moved to Zenit St Petersburg for £10.9m.

From 19 appearances in La Liga this season, Mandi has scored three times and averaged just 0.8 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game (WhoScored), with Betis sitting sixth in the table.

However, according to Estadio Deportivo, both Liverpool and the representatives of the Algeria international have denied any interest in a summer move.

Mandi, who is valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt, is due to be released by Béticos Heliopolitano at the end of the season with his contract due to expire in the summer.

Liverpool currently have a horrendous injury crisis on their hands, with their three main centre-backs all currently out with season-ending injuries.

Transfer Tavern Verdict

It doesn't come as a surprise to us that the Reds have halted their pursuit of Mandi.

Analysing where the Algerian centre-half is in his career, he would not be a long-term solution to a significant issue that the Merseysiders currently have on their hands and would likely just be a backup option.

However, with Liverpool expected to record a significant revenue loss due to the global pandemic, the question remains as to whether they are lowering their standards to accommodate the current economic climate.

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