Ex-Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson wants his former club to go all-out to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane this summer.

The France international has been linked with the Reds, along with Manchester United and Chelsea in recent weeks, and with Real said to be weighing up selling the centre-back, Johnson thinks snapping up the player would be a signal of intent:

“It’s important that the board back him and let him buy two or three players. When a big player like Varane walk through the door, someone who has been there and done it, it gives everybody a lift. If you’re an away team and you arrive at Anfield to see Van Dijk and Varane at the back, you’re going to think ‘how are we meant to score against these two?’, so that will be a huge statement if they can make these sort of signings.”

Reports in Spain suggest that Varane is leaning towards leaving Real at the end of the season, with the 27-year-old having yet to agree a contract extension. With his current deal expiring in 2022, he could be available for a reduced fee.

A €50m (£43m) asking price has been mentioned, and if he could be signed for that amount, Liverpool would be foolish not to at least consider an offer.

Johnson believes being out of the Champions League won’t be an issue for the Reds in terms of attracting Varane and other signings, but we shall see.