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Liverpool have been urged to approach Manchester City for a defender after missing out on Marc Guehi. City have secured a cut-price £20million deal for the England defender after the Reds' attempt to sign him in the summer window was thwarted at the 11th hour.

Liverpool remain in the market for a centre-back, with Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth further highlighting the need to strengthen in the heart of defence. According to former Anfield defender Stephane Henchoz, City's Manuel Akanji, currently on loan at Inter Milan, would be a perfect fit.

Akanji joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and was part of their Treble-winning squad in 2023. Upon his arrival, Pep Guardiola lavished praise on the Swiss star, who is also capable of playing at full-back.

"The movement defensively and offensively, he executes it perfectly," he said. "This is a gift for the manager. Some players, you have to explain 10 times or train 10 times to show what you are thinking or what you want to do.

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"This guy needed just one training session and he got it. The movement he has to do as a full-back, the high pressing, he didn’t train once, and he did it perfectly. With the ball, he is a magnificent player.

"Our build-up should be three in the back and that's why in the position we normally play Kyle [Walker] or John [Stones]. He was absolutely perfect. Proof again that intelligent people, always it pays off."

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However, after falling out of favour at the start of this season, Akanji was allowed to join Inter for the rest of the campaign. With his long-term future looking uncertain, Henchoz believes the Reds should take advantage, telling Hajper: "Manuel Akanji would be an interesting option for Liverpool. He has proven his ability in the Premier League with Manchester City, despite a slightly difficult last season due to injury.

"He is 30, which is not old for a centre-back, and he has a good injury record. I have watched him playing for Inter Milan and the Swiss national team since he left City, and he still has the necessary attributes.

"He possesses everything you want in a centre-back: pace, power, intelligence, good reading of the game, and comfort in possession. Crucially, he knows the Premier League, which is a big advantage for a January transfer.

"When signing a player in the winter window, you need someone who can fit in and perform immediately. Akanji meets those needs. Therefore, if Liverpool cannot secure their first-choice target, Akanji would definitely be an interesting alternative."

Akanji has been linked with a return to City this month amid a defensive injury crisis in Guardiola's squad. However, the player himself has firmly shut down that possibility, saying after their Champions League defeat to Arsenal: "No, there was no possibility of me returning to City."

He later added: "The earlier question was about whether I'd return in the winter and I said no. What happens at the end of the season is not only up to me, but I'm very happy here and I hope it can continue. We'll see what happens."

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