Liverpool is reportedly preparing to make a move for a promising new defender in January, and this player is currently plying his trade in the Premier League with Brentford.

In terms of spending in 2023, FSG (Fenway Sports Group) invested a total of £145 million during the summer transfer window. This expenditure went towards securing the services of four new midfield signings: Alexis Mac Allister (£35 million), Dominik Szoboszlai (£60 million), Wataru Endo (£16 million), and Ryan Gravenberch (£34 million). However, despite strengthening their central midfield options, Liverpool still has another area that needs attention in the upcoming year.

Currently, Jurgen Klopp only has Trent Alexander-Arnold as the natural right-back option available at Anfield. It has become evident that the team requires cover and competition for this position, especially considering Alexander-Arnold’s recent spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. Klopp seems to have identified a potential candidate for this role.

Back in April, Aaron Hickey of Brentford was a target for Manchester City, although a deal did not materialize over the summer. This opens the door for other clubs interested in securing his services, with Liverpool being one of them.

Despite Hickey having three years left on his contract with Brentford, his performances in the current season have apparently impressed FSG chiefs. As a result, Liverpool is considering making a move for the 21-year-old defender at the beginning of 2024.

According to The Mirror, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United are all prepared to submit bids for Hickey in the January transfer window, and he is also drawing interest from Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Brentford is expected to demand a fee around £50 million for their prized asset before entering into negotiations with any of the potential suitors.

Hickey joined Brentford from Serie A side Bologna for a reported £18 million. His contributions at the Community Stadium, including an average of 2.2 tackles, 1.2 clearances, and a 90.9% pass success rate per top-flight game, have demonstrated his value.

He is a versatile player who can operate in multiple positions on the field and has been involved in nine goals (six goals and three assists) since the start of his career. Hickey’s pace allows him to create chances for himself and his teammates in the final third.

Notably, Hickey shares the same agent, PLG, as Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. This pre-existing connection could give Liverpool an advantage in pursuing a deal for Hickey in January.