29 y/o centre-half rejects new contract after Liverpool contacted him ‘months ago’

Estadio Deportivo report that Aissa Mandi is set to leave Real Betis this summer after five years and 167 appearances, with Liverpool reportedly contacting him 'months ago.'

The 29-year-old has rejected a final offer from the La Liga side and is reportedly talking to Inter Milan but is also 'studying' interest from Olympique Lyon and Liverpool.

The Reds are in the market for at least one centre-half this summer but Mandi doesn't really fit the profile of player that Jurgen Klopp will be shopping for.

Not only is he 29 years of age, but he is also quite short for a centre-back at just 6ft (184cm). Having said that, the Algerian is rapid and has a knack for winning 1 v 1 scenarios where he isn't the favourite.

This has a lot to do with his aggressive playstyle. The best way to describe him is that he plays like a less distinguished Fabio Cannavaro with a reliance on ending danger as soon as it develops as opposed to waiting for the best moment to pounce.

What this means is that he commits quite a lot of fouls but does help his side remain on the front foot as much as possible. Liverpool are unlikely to sign Mandi even though Estadio Deportivo claim that there is interest from the Anfield outfit

Anfield Central sources are informed that Ibrahima Konate is the man that Liverpool have their hearts set on.