Liverpool have entered the race to sign Roma defender Roger Ibanez, according to AS Roma Live.
The Reds have lost first-choice centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to long-term knee injuries already this season.
Klopp adjusts his backline
This has forced Jurgen Klopp to make some major alterations to his backline in the opening months of the campaign.
Fabinho has had to play as a makeshift defender. Meanwhile, youngsters Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips have been handed their Premier League debuts in recent weeks.
The defending champions have managed to cope, and are three points clear at the top of the league.
However, their defensive resources are certainly stretched, leading to speculation that they could dip into the transfer market next month.
Roger Ibanez a possible target for January
One potential acquisition appears to be Ibanez. The 22-year-old Brazilian, who is on loan from Atalanta, has been a standout performer in the Roma defence this season.
Ibanez has started every league game so far this campaign. His consistency has helped Roma into the Champions League spots, just four points behind leaders Milan.
Liverpool are not the only club keeping an eye on Ibanez. Premier League rivals Tottenham and Leicester are reportedly keen on the defender.
Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on the promising talent. The French champions are currently looking to replace Thiago Silva, who left for Chelsea in the summer.
Lofty transfer fee demanded by Roma
Roma’s asking price could be a stumbling block for a potential deal, though. The Italian club currently value Ibanez at between 35-40 million euros, a hefty fee for a player with just 22 Serie A appearances to his name.
As the league leaders ponder their next move, Jurgen Klopp’s side have a busy festive fixture list to negotiate first.
They travel to Crystal Palace for tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off, before rounding off the year against West Brom and Newcastle.
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