Reds legend John Barnes thinks the signing of Raphael Varane for Liverpool would be a ‘fantastic’ piece of business.
The Anfield side joined Manchester United in the race for Varane’s signature yesterday.
They reportedly want him to partner Virgil Van Dijk at centre-back next season.
READ: Wilder rages at ‘stupid and uneducated’ pundits amid Keane criticism
Reacting to the Varane transfer rumours, Barnes said: “Varane would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool. He’s quick, he’s a good defender and great on the ball so he would suit the way that Liverpool play. For Liverpool to sign him would be a fantastic piece of business.
“He would strengthen any team in the Premier League but if he is leaving Real Madrid then there will be a lot of teams interested and a lot of competition to sign him.”
Varane is on the verge of a Real Madrid exit after stalling on a new contract.
His current deal is set to expire in 2022, leaving Real in a worrying situation.
If they cannot tie him down to fresh terms, then they will need to sell him this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
Varane would help to solve Jurgen Klopp’s woes at centre-back.
Injuries to Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have done huge damage to their title hopes.
They’ve been joined by Fabinho and Jordan Henderson on the sidelines, who were deputising in defence.
Klopp is now having to rely on the inexperienced partnership of Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak.
The pair have just 11 Premier League appearances between them and are learning top flight football on the job.
Varane would bring plenty of experience, leadership and continuity to their defensive line.
He has won plenty of trophies during his career, including one World Cup and four Champions Leagues.
The France international is a leader in a similar vein to Van Dijk.
Signing him would also help to improve the development of Liverpool’s young centre-backs.