Talks Held: Liverpool Want Andrei Ratiu

Liverpool are in the market for a defender or two this summer, as the recruitment team at Anfield look to give Andoni Iraola the best chance possible of impressing in his first season in charge.

The Reds have already been hard at work to improve the squad, as a quick deal was wrapped up to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna, hijacking Newcastle United's weeks-long pursuit of the winger.

The Spaniard joins Jeremy Jacquet as a summer arrival, but there is more to come. Liverpool are in talks to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with a potential deal worth over £100 million on the cards for the Ivory Coast international.

That move appears to be a priority, but there are some potential bargains in the market that the Merseyside outfit are looking to sign, particularly in the backline.

Liverpool are looking at ways to improve the squad, and according to Anfield Index, the club have shown interest in Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu.

The Romanian international has a release clause worth €25 million (£21.7 million), but there is some hope that the Reds can negotiate terms even more favourable than that.

Talks with the 28-year-old have already been held, with the hope that personal terms could be agreed before getting a deal over the line in the coming weeks.

There is competition for the right-back, who has been described as "underrated", as Barcelona have appeared as a potential challenger for his signature.

It remains to be seen whether a deal can get over the line, but it would represent another potential bargain transfer for Liverpool, following on from the signing of Munoz.

A move for Ratiu could help solve an issue Liverpool have had at right-back ever since Trent Alexander-Arnold left the club to join Real Madrid.

The Reds suffered last season as Conor Bradley's injury ruled him out of contention for the long-term, while Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez had a mixture of injury issues and struggles with form.

That forced Arne Slot to play one of Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai in the position, which kept the pair out of their best role on the pitch.

Liverpool are pushing to sign a new midfielder

Going into this summer, a move for a defender who can stay fit and provide some consistent quality at right-back could make things easier for Iraola.

Given the importance of signing wingers and midfielders, it's unclear just how much of a priority a right-back will be. But it has been a problem area.