Manchester City is the more likely destination for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to reports.
According to Dean Jones, VfL Wolfsburg defender Micky van ve Ven would be a realistic arrival at Anfield this summer but for the highly-rated Croatian international, if he was to depart, it would be to the Etihad Stadium.
The Reds' focus is on the midfield having already acquired Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion. Khephren Thuram, Gabri Veiga and Ryan Gravenberch are all a list of contenders to follow the Argentine through the door as Jurgen Klopp eyes reinforcements.
Before the end of last season, the German wasn't shy on where he thought improvements were needed as he offered a glimpse into their strategy going into the upcoming campaign. A move for a central defender hasn't been ruled out, with the profile of a left-footed stopper identified, with a number of players being linked with a switch to Liverpool.
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Gvardiol is one of them, however it has been suggested that Die Roten Bullen's pricetag for the 21-year-old is too much for the Reds. A fee in the region of £85m has been quoted which has reportedly deterred figures on Merseyside from pursuing him.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Pep Guardiola's side are in a better position to land the defender and should Liverpool acquire a defensive option before September's deadline, the Dutch international is the more likely option.
He said: "I think he’s (Micky van de Ven) a lot more likely option than (Josko) Gvardiol. I don’t think Gvardiol is going to be joining Liverpool this summer.
"If he lands anywhere, then we are expecting that it will probably be Man City. But there are other options out there for Liverpool to consider, and I think that this one is certainly one that they’re looking at."
Previously, the Croatian international has expressed his love for Liverpool and hasn't shied away from where his loyalties lie with clubs in the Premier League.
Previously, he has claimed that the Reds are one of his 'dream' clubs. Gvardiol admitted: "My dream club? That would definitely be Liverpool. Since I was little, I watched a lot of their matches with my dad.
"We covered every season in detail. It is a club that has remained in my heart".
