LIVERPOOL have the chance to steal a march on Newcastle by moving for Sevilla defender Loic Bade this month.
Both clubs have been monitoring the Frenchman, 24, for some time and reports in Spain claim they are weighing up a January swoop.
Liverpool are leading the race for Sevilla star Loic Bade
But Newcastle are understood to be unlikely to do any major deals before the window closes on February 3.
And that would leave Liverpool with a clearer run in the coming weeks at Bade, who could be available for as little as £20m.
Sevilla inserted a £50m release clause into the new contract that the centre back signed in September.
But the La Liga club’s ongoing cash problems make it hard for them to resist offers for the player.
Bade, who spent a few months on loan at Nottingham Forest in 2022/23 without making an appearance, has been touted as a potential long-term replacement for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
A summer transfer was previously considered more likely, but the injury to Joe Gomez, on top of Jarell Quansah’s inconsistency, could trigger an earlier move.
Bade has made 14 La Liga appearances this season with Sevilla currently struggling in 14th spot in the league.
The defender joined Sevilla from Stade Rennais back in 2023, having previously represented French sides Lens and Le Havre too.
He received his first international call up to the French national side back in October, but was an unused substitute for both of their Nations League games against Isreal and Belgium.
Newcastle do not have a lot of wriggle room when it comes to Premier League financial rules.
They have no intention of selling star names like Alexander Isak in the current window but without generating significant funds from outgoings, they are set to be cautious in January.
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