Liverpool’s plans to bolster their defence this summer with an in-demand free agent are in peril amid claims Tottenham are now very much in the race for his signature.
Jurgen Klopp wants to rebuild his squad when the season ends following an underwhelming campaign. They will finish the season without silverware, while they are currently eighth in the table and may end up without European football next season.
And having never finished lower than fourth during his previous six full seasons at the helm, it represents a major drop-off in standards.
As a result, Klopp is looking to several summer arrivals to revitalise his playing pool.
The main focus of Liverpool’s rebuilding plan will come in midfield. And with Jude Bellingham declared too expensive, Liverpool plan to use the money instead to bring in at least two fresh bodies.
To that end, the Liverpool manager has seeminly set his heart on a new £114.8m duo he wants to freshen up his engine room.
However, Klopp too also wants to bolster his defence. While Ibrahima Konate appears to have established himself as first-choice partner for Virgil van Dijk, the performances of their back-up options leave a lot to be desired.
Indeed, both Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have suffered major dips in form for Liverpool this season. And their performances have only served to convince Klopp that a new defensive recruit is needed this summer.
The Reds have been linked with a plethora of names. The most costly is perhaps Josko Gvardiol, though his £80m valuation is likely to rule them out.
As an alternative, Liverpool have this week been linked with a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
Liverpool move for Evan Ndicka facing Tottenham competition
However, Klopp is also strongly keen on Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.
The 23-year-old is likely to leave the Bundesliga side this summer upon the expiry of his contract.
Die Adler are keen to het him to stay, but his refusal of a new deal means they will see their star exit as a free agent.
That comes as a major blow with the French defender rated in the £30m bracket.
Now it seems a move to the Premier League looks the most likely outcome.
Indeed, we revealed back in February that Ndicka was on Liverpool’s radar.
And Klopp is reportedly warming to the idea of bringing the player to Anfield. As such, an offer is set to be submitted to the player’s representatives.
However, those plans are now in jeopardy with Football Insider reporting that Tottenham are also making moves to sign him.
Recently-resigned sporting director Fabio Paratici had identified Ndicka as a top target for Spurs this summer. And now Daniel Levy is ready to follow up on that by also making contact over a move to N17.
Levy eyeing double Spurs swoop
And Levy could play an ace card by luring his manager, Oliver Glasner, to Tottenham this summer too.
The Austrian is just one of the names under consideration at Tottenham as they seek a permanent successor to Antonio Conte. That chase is currently being led by Vincent Kompany.
However, failure to convince him to quit the Clarets may well see Spurs turn to Glasner.
As a result, that could strengthen their bid to land Ndicka, with Levy now strongly considering the double coup.
Ndicka is a strong, 6ft 3in left-sided centre-half seen as perfect for the Premier League. And his signing could see Tottenham reneg on their plan to bring in Clement Lenglet on a permanent deal.