Willian Pacho is Liverpool’s ‘priority’ transfer target in central defence (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Willian Pacho and have identified the Eintracht Frankfurt defender as their top target at centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Merseyside giants appear intent on appointing Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot as their next manager, with the 45-year-old Dutchman now the overwhelming favourite to take over the reins from Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.

And while Slot will no doubt want a say in Liverpool’s comings and goings should he take charge at Anfield, work is already underway behind the scenes to bolster the squad in the transfer market.

Recent reports claimed both Liverpool and Arsenal had made tentative inquiries for Frankfurt’s Pacho, 22, who is enjoying an excellent debut season in the Bundesliga following a move from Royal Antwerp last summer.
Pacho, capped ten times by the Ecuador national team, has quickly settled into life in the Bundesliga and has been instrumental in Frankfurt’s success this term, with the club sitting sixth and pushing for European football.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Liverpool have made Pacho their ‘priority for the defence’ and placed the sought-after youngster at the top of their wishlist as they hunt for a left-footed centre-half.

It’s understood Frankfurt are well aware of growing interest from the Premier League in Pacho and ...