LIVERPOOL are reportedly preparing a January raid for Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly.
Jurgen Klopp is desperate to ease his injury woe with the Reds’ defence decimated in recent weeks.
Kalidou Koulibaly has been a regular for Serie A side Napoli for yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Virgil van Dijk was the first to fall with a serious knee injury picked up courtesy of Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside Derby.
Not expected to play again this season, the Dutchman underwent surgery late last month.
Liverpool hope to have Joe Gomez fit by the spring after the defender picked up a knee tendon problem on England duty.
The 23-year-old did not suffer any ligament damage but also had to go under the knife, depriving Klopp of both his first-choice centre-backs.
Potential cover in Fabinho was lost when the versatile Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Midtjylland.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the final Reds defender currently unavailable for another few weeks having succumbed to a calf strain.
How Virgil van Dijk compared to the rest of the PL’s defenders at the time of his injury
According to The Mirror, a number of replacements are in the Anfield crosshairs ahead of the January transfer window.
Among them is Koulibaly, 29, who Klopp is said to be a big fan of.
Senegal team-mate Sadio Mane is described as a potential asset in a deal, with Liverpool priced out of a move in the summer.
RB Leipzig star and Manchester United target Dayot Upamecano is another defender being considered.
Dayot Upamecano has attracted interest from around EuropeCredit: AFP or licensors
The Premier League champions reportedly share a good relationship with the German club’s paymasters and Upamecano is said to have a £54million release clause.
That will drop to £36.5m in the summer, meaning a January switch may suit both Leipzig’s coffers and Liverpool’s urgent need.
Another name floated for the Reds’ January business is Schalke youngster Ozan Kabak.
The 20-year-old is emerging as a star at the Bundesliga club, who are languishing in the relegation zone, but is reportedly not seen as the short-term solution for this particular crisis.
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Fabinho injury leaves Liverpool in defensive crisis as Brazilian limps off against Midtjylland with Van Dijk out too
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
