Merseyside has been a busy place this January as both top-flight clubs Everton and Liverpool are active in the transfer market, looking to add quality to their side. The Reds are a slightly more attractive proposition than their local rivals and Everton might feel the wrath of that yet again this month.
The Blues have been scouting for the services of young Ezri Konsa from last summer but it is now understood that Liverpool have joined the race for the Charlton Athletic star.
Liverpool front-runners for Konsa
According to Kent Live, Liverpool are interested in the 20-year old, who has been in sensational form in the Football League this season. Everton seemed to have won the race to sign him as Charlton were ready to cash in on their prized asset but it is now being reported that Liverpool have made plans to swoop in for Konsa in the last minute.
The defender could follow the path of Liverpool first team star Joe Gomez, who moved to Anfield from The Valley back in 2015.
So who is Konsa?
A product of the academy at Charlton, the 20-year old broke into the first team just last season but has managed to cement a place in the first team straight away. He has been the first choice centre-back for the club for over a year now and has already made 55 League One appearances, including 23 games this season.
Known for his agility, pace and aggressive approach to his game, Konsa is a front-footed defender. He is strong in the air and with the ball at his feet and is adept at closing down spaces in and around the box.
He is hardly found out of position, tends to win most aerial duels and is easily one of the best defenders in the competition this season. Since the start of the season, he has only shown progress every time he has stepped on to the field and is not too far away from stamping his name on the English top flight.
He has represented the England U20 national side four times already in his career and could be a solution to Liverpool’s long-term defensive problems at the back.
Are Liverpool his best bet?
At 20, Konsa would like to get as much time on the field as possible, which is not going to be the case at Anfield. 20-year-old Gomez has done well, in spite of two serious injuries, to win the trust of the German tactician and Konsa will take some time to do the same.
However, his potential is too high for Liverpool to let a chance to sign him let go and at just £4m, he is a risk worth taking. He might have to spend time at the academy and maybe even on loan but Konsa is definitely a player who can come good in the long term and signing him will establish a strong backup to the first team backline at Anfield.
