Liverpool transfers: Reds legend earmarks Raphael Varane as successor

Liverpool should target Raphael Varane if the Reds want to sign a centre-half for the future, according to Jamie Carragher.

Brendan Rodgers is still searching for potential defensive signings after Southampton rejected the Reds’s £20m bid for Croatia international Dejan Lovren last Friday.

Liverpool may have scored 101 goals in a thrilling Premier League campaign, but Rodgers has admitted conceding 50 goals cost his side the title.

The Reds signed France international Mamadou Sakho and former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure last summer following Carragher’s retirement.

However, the former Liverpool vice-captain urged Rodgers to look to Real Madrid defender Varane as his long-term successor.

If Liverpool are looking for a centre back my one for the Future is Varane from Real Madrid

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 8, 2014

Varane was a key part of the France side which reached the World Cup last eight, partnering Sakho in the heart of les Bleus’s defence.

Rodgers would have plenty of competition for the Frenchman, too.

Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand urged his former club to sign the 21-year-old last month.

"@Jonathan_bergh: What central defender would you buy to United? @rioferdy5" > Varane….Real Madrid won't sell though.

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 27, 2014