Report: Liverpool eye Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano

The French defender's deal at Bayern expires at the end of the current season, and the German champions are open to letting him leave as a free agent.

Liverpool are monitoring developments closely and are ready to open discussions in the new year if compatriot Ibrahima Konate fails to sign a new contract at Anfield.

Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, has yet to commit to an extension despite talks ongoing for nearly 12 months.

His current deal runs until June, and Real Madrid are among the clubs showing strong interest - prompting Liverpool to draw up contingency plans.

Upamecano has emerged as the leading alternative, but Bayern's plans may complicate matters. Should the Frenchman depart, Bayern are targeting Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi as a potential replacement.

The England international, who has 27 caps, is entering the final year of his Palace contract and is attracting attention from both Bayern and Liverpool.

Liverpool nearly secured Guehi's signature on deadline day before the deal collapsed, but the Reds remain keen to revisit the move next off-season.