Liverpool’s summer business has already underlined the scale of change around Anfield, yet work on the squad shape appears ongoing, particularly in central defence. According to TeamTalk, Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni remains under consideration as Liverpool assess long-term options in that area.

The backdrop is clear. Andoni Iraola has inherited a group that still needs refining, and the club’s spending over the last 18 months has reflected that reality. Even after major investment, Liverpool are understood to be active in several positions, with the defensive line one of the departments still being examined closely.

Bastoni is not a new name on Liverpool’s radar. The Italy international has been admired for some time and, as reported, extensive groundwork has already been carried out on the 27-year-old. Inter are said to value him at close to £70 million, a figure that would place any move firmly among the biggest defensive deals in Europe.

That price point, and the calibre of player involved, ensures competition. Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona are all credited with interest. Even so, Liverpool’s long-running appreciation could matter if this develops into a genuine market opportunity over the coming windows.

Any interest in Bastoni makes sense in the context of Liverpool’s contract picture. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both approaching the latter stages of their current agreements, and recruitment teams rarely wait for uncertainty to become a problem. Planning ahead at centre-back would be a logical step, especially for a side trying to build its next leadership core.

Bastoni’s profile is obvious. He is experienced, elite-level, comfortable in possession and used to operating under pressure at the top end of the game. Liverpool are believed to view him as a potential successor to Van Dijk, which speaks to the level of regard in which he is held.

The wider market could still shape this situation. Chelsea’s absence from European football may affect their pull, while Manchester City’s landscape carries uncertainty of its own. If Liverpool decide to act decisively, there may be an opening.

For now, this feels more like a watched situation than an advanced negotiation. But among the many moving parts in Liverpool’s rebuild, Bastoni is a name worth following closely.