Liverpool are currently ahead of Everton and Arsenal in the transfer race to sign Olympiacos defender Pape Abou Cisse, according to a report.
Following an injury-ridden 2020/21 season, the Reds made sure to bolster their back line. While they re-introduced the likes of Virgil van Dijk, they brought in Frenchman Ibrahima Konate.
And with Nathaniel Phillips signing a new contract, Liverpool now have five centre-backs to choose from.
According to the Daily Mail, though, the Anfield club want more protection for their back line.
Indeed, they have put Cisse on their transfer shortlist after sending scouts to one of his recent displays.
Liverpool surveyors watched the Senegal international keep a clean sheet in a 3-0 Olympiacos win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
Cisse has formed a strong partnership with former Arsenal centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos. The pair have conceded only two goals in five league games this season.
However, the clean sheet record this season extends to seven in all competitions, with Cisse playing 13 games already.
Should he move to Liverpool, the 26-year-old would join up with international colleague Sadio Mane.
Cisse has only made four appearances for his country, due to the presence of Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Paris Saint-Germain’s Adbou Diallo.
Still, he linked up with Mane in two of those games and been part of the squad since October 2018. In fact, Cisse and Mane were both in the squad as Senegal reached the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2019.
But Liverpool will face competition for the centre-back’s signature. Everton and Arsenal have also made enquiries about him, although the Reds are showing the most interest as it stands.
Liverpool eyeing second Olympiacos transfer
Cisse is the second Olympiacos star to have links with a move to Liverpool this week.
Greece-based outlet SporTime claimed that the Reds also have their eyes on 20-year-old midfielder Aguibou Camara.
The Guinean also played in the 3-0 win over Fenerbahce and Liverpool scouts sent back impressive reports.
A number of clubs from France, where he is well known after moving from Lille in the summer, have checked on his progress.
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