Liverpool look to the future with potential defensive recruits

Liverpool are believed to be considering a move for one of the Bundesliga’s young defensive talents as boss Jürgen Klopp looks to bolster his squad with a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman has been imperious at the heart of the Reds defence since his 2018 club-record move from Southampton but has not yet found a consistent pairing. Joe Gomez has impressed when fit but with the other more experienced defensive options Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren unlikely to improve Liverpool may look to invest in their defence.

Lovren, in particular, appears to have a limited time left at the club with his current contract due to end in 2021. A new deal looks unlikely for the 30-year-old and the Reds may wish to cash in on the World Cup finalist this summer.

The Croatian has appeared disillusioned with his limited game-time recently and spoke to Sky Sports News about his desire to play more.

Lovren remaining patient for playing time

"I'm patient. I'm working behind closed doors a lot and sometimes it is frustrating when you don't play," said Lovren.

"You are fighting with yourself in your mind, asking 'Why not?'.

With his future under doubt reports have surfaced linking Liverpool with Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N’Dicka. Sky Sports have reported that both Liverpool and Arsenal have been tracking the French Under-21 international who made his professional debut for Auxerre at the age of 17.

Now 20-years-old, the left-footed defender could form a nice partnership with the right-footed Van Dijk. N’Dicka has made 15 appearance for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga this season and was nominated for the German league’s Rookie of the Season award in 2018/19.

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The Frenchman has also proved that he is comfortable at left-back and could offer back-up to Andy Robertson in the Liverpool squad, something that the Reds are missing.

Thiaw another named mentioned as Klopp recruit

Also linked with the Merseyside club is Schalke defender Malick Thiaw whose rumoured £7 million release clause would make him a cheaper alternative. The 18-year-old has already been referred to as ‘the next Joel Matip’ in the German media and reports suggest that Liverpool want him to follow the Cameroonian’s career path to Anfield.

Thiaw’s current deal at Schalke ties him to the club for the next year and the German club’s attempts to negotiate a new contract have been disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Sporting director Jochen Schneider has suspended all contract negotiations for the moment but keeping Thiaw is believed to be a top priority.

If Liverpool are to prise the young defender away they will also have to beat a host of other European clubs to his signature, with Italian outlet Arena Napoli claiming that Napoli, AC Milan and PSG are also interested.