Liverpool were already short on convincing options at the heart of defence and their recent injury crisis has only further exacerbated the situation, so a move for another centre-half will likely be one of Jurgen Klopp’s transfer priorities this month.
That could well herald a return to the German’s old stomping ground, the Bundesliga, to pick up Schalke star Joel Matip in a cut-price January deal.
The versatile Cameroon international has spent much of his Miners career jostling between the backline and defensive midfield, but he’s found great form operating exclusively at centre-back this season, averaging 1.5 tackles, 3.3 interceptions and 3.6 successful aerial duels per match.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the campaign and a new deal seems unlikely, meaning the Veltins Arena outfit may be forced to cash in before January 31st. Along with the Reds, Newcastle United have also been linked in recent weeks.