Liverpool were unwilling to part with the huge sum it would have taken to sign Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt because the Reds weren't certain that the 19-year-old would walk straight into their team.
As detailed in the Evening Standard , Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was unwilling to spend around £61million on the centre-back - a fee Liverpool have only bettered for goalkeeper Alisson and record signing Virgil van Dijk.
With Joe Gomez displaying excellent form before he broke his leg in a match at Burnley in December, Joel Matip proving a revelation in the club's run to the Champions League final and Dejan Lovren still retaining the trust of his manager, centre-back wasn't seen as a priority position for the club to spend such a sum on.
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De Ligt is now widely expected to complete a move to Barcelona this summer.
New Bournemouth signing Lloyd Kelly was also viewed as a potential addition for Liverpool this summer, but once the Cherries were willing to pay up to £13million for the left-sided defender Liverpool ended their interest.
The Reds are on the lookout for a defender to replace Alberto Moreno, who will leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season.
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But Liverpool aren't likely to spend big on a player who will essentially serve as cover for Andy Robertson on the left, while also potentially being able to play on the right side of defence too.
A versatile forward is also on Klopp's transfer agenda, with Daniel Sturridge also set to depart.
