Liverpool 'ready to pay £42m' for new defender as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez deals run out

Liverpool ready to spend £42m on Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch in January as Van Dijk and Gomez contracts near expiry.

Liverpool are preparing a £42m bid for VfB Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch in the January window, according to reports. The 20-year-old has impressed this season and attracted interest from major European clubs, pushing his valuation up from an initial £30m. The Reds are keen to strengthen their defence ahead of contract expirations for Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez next summer, and following their failure to replace Ibrahima Konate after his free transfer to Real Madrid.