Liverpool are understood to be leading the race to sign Charlton Athletic defender Ezri Konsa.

The Mersey giants and former Champions League winners are said to be battling it out with rivals Everton and a host of other interested parties as Addicks' owner Roland Duchatelet looks to cash in on his prize asset.

Kent Live understands Liverpool have emerged at the head of the queue of those clubs after Konsa's signature - Jurgen Klopp already having one ex Charlton man in his ranks in Joe Gomez.

Charlton boss Karl Robinson has gone on record to say he doesn't want anybody to be sold - but it is clear such matters are being done above his head, such as Ricky Holmes being sold to Sheffield United. Robinson said he received an email telling him about that.

Everton were thought to be favourites to sign Konsa while others have expressed an interest too.

But Liverpool seem keen to make a swoop and it would be ironic if the highly-rated centre-back joined The Reds - Robinson being a massive fan of the club having worked there and grown up in the city.