Liverpool are reportedly considering a deal for Stade Rennais and Ghana international centre back John Boye this summer, as they look to recruit a new centre half.

With Jamie Carragher set to retire from football altogether, as his turning circle expands to the orbit of the International Space Station, and the vowel deficient Martin Skrtel out of favour under Brendan Rodgers, there is certainly a vacancy in central defence at Anfield.

So impressive has Boye been this season for Rennes that he is understandably attracting interest from larger clubs, and the Reds may have to move quickly if they are to lure the 26 year-old to Merseyside.

Boye’s strengths lie in his anticipation and positioning, and to illustrate that, he averages 3.2 interceptions per game in Ligue 1.

He is also a great presence aerially and a hard but fair tackler, and would be expected to adapt quickly to the more physical Premier League.

His weakness is that he is not the most technically adept player, and tends to clear the ball long rather than begin attacks with short passing out the back.

Still, he could be a fine partner for Daniel Agger in the Liverpool defence, and would be unlikely to cost as much as other Reds transfer targets such as Ashley Williams of Swansea City.