Liverpool are on the hunt for a new defender in 2026 after failing to land Marc Guehi on the final day of the summer transfer window.
Arne Slot launched a late push for the Crystal Palace captain in the final hours of deadline day after completing a Premier League transfer record move for Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Liverpool were unable to wrap up a £35m [$46m] deal with the Eagles after Oliver Glasner pulled the plug as Palace failed to bring in a replacement.
Slot's near miss on Guehi is an open secret and the Dutch coach is hopeful he can secure a free transfer agreement with him next summer.
However, amid rumours of Guehi being prepared to reject a move to Anfield - due to his annoyance over their lack of effort to get a summer transfer completed - Real Madrid are now in the race for the 25-year-old.
Ibrahima Konate is also out of contract in June, after rejecting a renewal, and the France international is being tracked by Xabi Alonso.
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Palace could offer interested teams a £25m [$33m] deal in January, but nether Liverpool nor Madrid are likely to step in, and Guehi will assess his options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As per reports from South American outlet Bolavip, Slot is now looking at Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez, as a back up if he loses out on Guehi.
The Ecuador international has been a first-team regular since the start of last season and Brugge reportedly rejected a summer offer from Marseille.
His current side would demand around £35m [$46m] to listen to offers next summer and Liverpool are open to paying that if Konate moves on - regardless of Guehi's decision over a move to Merseyside.
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