Perfect for Iraola: Liverpool Prepare First Bid For Andrei Ratiu

Liverpool are preparing a bid for a defender this summer, according to Sportsboom, as the club eye a solution to some issues in the backline.

The Reds are keen on adding some fresh faces to the team, having struggled over the past campaign with injuries and a slow possession-based style that never gripped the supporters.

Andoni Iraola's appointment should help change the latter, with a switch to a new style that will require some new players and plenty of energy to execute his game plan.

The signings of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz certainly do that, but there is still more work to do, not least after the exit of key stars such as Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate.

As the search goes on for other potential arrivals, an offer is now being prepared for one of Liverpool's transfer targets.

While talks are ongoing for Liverpool to sign Yan Diomande, in a deal that appears quite complicated, attention has also been set on other possible arrivals.

Right-back is an area for potential improvement, and Sportsboom reports that the club are preparing a bid for Rayo Vallecano star Andrei Ratiu to help rectify any concerns in that position.

The report described the 28-year-old as "highly-rated", after an impressive campaign with the Spanish side saw them reach the Conference League Final where they fell to defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.

It's unclear exactly how much Liverpool are willing to table for Ratiu, though it's claimed that the asking price for the star will be anywhere in the region of £25 million to £30 million.

A contract extension last November makes a deal difficult, as the Romania international has his future at Rayo secured until 2030, but hope remains that Liverpool can tempt the club to part ways with the star defender.

In doing so, Iraola may finally have a solution to the Reds' ongoing right-back concerns.

Right-back proved to be a problem position for Arne Slot last season, after Liverpool lost long-serving star Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.

While Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong were viewed as the long-term successors, injury issues for both mixed in with concerns over form to make for an awkward spell on the flank for the Reds.

Slot tried to remedy this with the use of Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai, but that removed the pair from their more favoured positions in the middle of the pitch.

In signing a right-back this summer, Liverpool could solve those concerns for the new head coach right away, but that leaves another dilemma.

It would be another huge statement of intent from the Anfield outfit

The question then surrounds what the future holds for Bradley and Frimpong. The pair may be in line for reduced game time, and three players for one position appears to be a bit over the top.

It may be tough to sell either of them as well. So perhaps for now, Liverpool would be safer sticking with their current options before spending yet more money in the market.