Liverpool given update on pursuit for 28-year-old star, it's not good news for Arne Slot

However, since the Reds know that they need new defenders, several have already been linked but, as mentioned, their chase for Alessandro Bastoni seems to have hit a roadblock.

That is, according to an update from TEAMtalk who state that Bastoni is now 'prioritising' a move to Barcelona this summer.

Liverpool are said to have 'tracked' the centre-back over the last few months with many thinking that the 27-year-old could join the Reds but now, they've been told that's not going to happen.

The possibility of Inter extending his current contract is also rife but at the moment, they've failed to reach a 'successful conclusion.'

This has resulted in other options being expired by his representatives which has allowed Barcelona to move into a 'strong position with Bastoni now being their 'top priority.'

Liverpool must figure out what they're doing with their defence

With Jeremy Jacquet already joining Liverpool in the summer, there's not an awful lot more room for new centre-backs to come in, especially if the Reds' tactical style is going to stay the same.

At the moment, they have four centre-backs among their ranks but, since Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez have been absent for most of the season, Konate and Virgil van Dijk have played the vast majority of games.

In fact, there has even been times when Ryan Gravenberch has been used as a centre-back due to the lack of availability the Reds have among their ranks.

Obviously this same situation can't occur again so, at some point soon, Slot and Richard Hughes need to sit down and decide what they're going to do.

Because, now that Bastoni isn't an option, their pool of top-class centre-backs to sign is getting smaller.