The British media: If they fail to sign GUI, Liverpool have three alternatives including Lukba[KUI]

According to the Liverpool Echo, after Liverpool sold Quaiansa, their demand for Crystal Palace defender GUI has become even stronger. Even if they can't sign him, Liverpool still have three alternatives.

First up is Leipzig's centre-back Lukba. The 22-year-old player had been linked with the Reds after joining Lyon's first team, but he eventually transferred to Leipzig in the summer of 2023. He made 72 appearances in the Bundesliga, and his physical fitness and ball control ability were recognized.

Liverpool has currently shown a positive interest in him and is prepared to compete with Bayern and Tottenham. The defender's contract will last until 2022 and includes a release clause of 90 million euros. However, it is reported that Leipzig has reached a gentleman's agreement with the player, allowing him to transfer at a price lower than the release clause.

Liverpool's second replacement is Murillo of Nottingham Forest. Players who have proven themselves in the Premier League are very attractive to Liverpool. Murillo, 22, has performed surprisingly well since his transfer from Corinthians to Nottingham Forest for around £15 million in 2023. Last season, he helped the team set a league record of 13 clean sheets. Among all defenders, he had the most clearances (242) and ranked third in interceptions (45).

The problem is that he just renewed his contract in January, which did not include a release clause. Moreover, Nottingham Forest has qualified for the Europa Conference League next season, and they surely won't let Murillo go easily.

But in the summer of 2024, Murillo admitted: "I have always had the dream of playing in the Premier League. I once thought of going to Nottingham Forest first and playing well for a year, and then moving to a big club." That's exactly what I think in my heart. I won't rule out Liverpool either. It's a great opportunity for me to have the chance to showcase my football skills in such a big club.

Liverpool still has another option, and that is Ajax's Jorrell Harto. Since he showed up in the stands at Anfield in January to watch Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Ipswich, Liverpool fans have been keeping a close eye on him. The defender later admitted: "I was invited by Gravenberch." But I didn't talk to the directors there. Liverpool played very well and the atmosphere here was great, but apart from that, there's nothing more to say.