Liverpool's interest in a 22-year-old defender is now considered 'strong' by Gianluca Di Marzio. The Reds could have their next centre-back.

Gianluca Di Marzio believes Liverpool now hold a 'strong interest' in Eintracht Frankfurt's Willian Pacho. The centre-back has seriously impressed in his debut Bundesliga season, potentially earning a move after just one year.

Pacho moved to Frankfurt in 2023 for a fee of around PS7m. That came after just one full season in Belgium where he won the title playing for Royal Antwerp.

He's now heavily linked with a move away, with several clubs said to be interested. Di Marzio, though, understands Liverpool's interest is 'strong'.

"Strong interest from Liverpool FC for Pacho, defender of Eintracht," he said quite succinctly on Twitter. He's not the first to suggest it, either.

Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg mentioned Liverpool as interested back in March. That was alongside interest from Arsenal, however, as opposed to the Reds pushing forward in any way.

He also put a price tag on Pacho. Frankfurt will supposedly ask for PS51m (EUR60m) to let the 22-year-old depart after just a year.

Liverpool like Willian Pacho Liverpool will certainly want a new centre-back this summer. Joel Matip's contract expires and he's unlikely to get a new one at 32 and coming off a serious injury.

Virgil van Dijk isn't exactly getting younger, either, and only has one year on his deal. Ibrahima Konate is struggling at the moment, too.

Pacho, then, could be a great long-term signing at the back. His data is fantastic, as you'd expect, and he's one of the best-passing defenders in his age bracket.

PS51m could end up being a steal, then - especially as he's already shown an ability to adapt quickly to a new club. He's done that twice now in two different countries. Neither of which speaks his native Spanish, it should be said.

This is definitely one to keep an eye on, then. Pacho could be a major signing this summer if the Reds' interest truly is growing.