Liverpool are reportedly favourites to land €46m star that is the complete package

Liverpool are eyeing a return to the Premier League title race next season after their 20/21 title defence was torn apart by a string of serious injuries to key players - most notably in defence.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez formed a menacing partnership at the heart of Liverpool's defence and were tipped to once again guide the Reds to silverware before they were struck down.

The Dutchman ruptured his ACL while his younger English partner tore his patellar tendon and the two players have been out for the majority of the season as a result.

To add insult to injury, Joel Matip suffered an ankle injury in January which ruled him out for the rest of the season and every player Jurgen Klopp has tried at centre-back since has suffered at least one injury.

All in all, Liverpool have had 19 centre-back pairings in the Premier League this season.

As we have reported for the last few months, Ibrahima Konate is the first choice option for Liverpool this summer.

He's the complete package - height, strength, aerial prowess, aggression, composure and he's still only 21.

Sport Witness, via SportBILD, now claim that RB Leipzig are expecting a €46million windfall should he leave for Liverpool this summer.

The German publication claims that Leipzig are ‘rubbing their hands’ at the thought of selling Konate.

They signed him for free and according to the report, his agent took a small cut so the Bundesliga side will receive a huge return on their investment into the French defender.

Anfield Central understands that Konate will arrive at Liverpool and will go straight into the starting XI as Joe Gomez slowly ramps up his recovery.

The club is concerned about the state of his knee and the injuries he's had since joining the club from Charlton Athletic for a reported £3.5million fee.

Gomez is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and while his age means he is often making mistakes, he's only going to learn and grow - especially alongside a player like van Dijk.

The same can be said about Konate, who will be thrilled about the prospect of playing next to the Dutchman.