Liverpool have now started negotiations with Schalke to sign defender Ozan Kabak in the January transfer window, MySportDab reports.
Jurgen Klopp has little options in defence after it was confirmed that Virgil van Dijk won’t be available until 2021.
Van Dijk ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during the famous 2-2 draw Merseyside derby against Everton.
The Holland star will undergo surgery but it is extremely unlikely for him to play again this season.
That leaves Jurgen Klopp with only Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as the only recognised centre-backs in his squad.
Although, defensive midfielder Fabinho has showed that he’s capable of playing in defence.
But, Gomez and Matip have never started a league match together as centre-backs at Anfield because of their various injury troubles.
Matip has a serious problem with muscle injuries which has limited his playing time over the last few seasons.
Jurgen Klopp has already showed that he’s not afraid to bring in Liverpool’s talented young players to prove themselves in the first team.
Youngsters such as Billy Koumetio and Sepp van den Berg are also expected to play for Liverpool more frequently.
According to the Mirror, Liverpool have opened talks with Bundesliga club Schalke over a deal for Kabak.
MySportDab understands that Liverpool are ready to pay £20m up front for the 20-year-old.
But, Schalke want around £30m, and Liverpool could include add-ons in the transfer to reach a total of £30m.
Kabak was linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer transfer window as Dejan Lovren’s replacement.
Instead, Liverpool decided to sign Thiago, Kostas Tsimikas, and Diogo Jota.
But Van Dijk’s injury, and Matip’s fitness issues are now pushing Klopp to sign a central defender in the New Year.
Liverpool have showed in the past that they’re not afraid to sign players in January when the opportunity arrived.
Van Dijk was signed in January 2018 while Philippe Coutinho was also brought in during the January transfer window in 2013.
