Liverpool transfer round-up as Reds approach Alaba amid urge to sign "stop-gap"

Liverpool's need for defensive reinforcements was laid bare again on Monday night as the Reds slipped up against Southampton in the Premier League.

Captain Jordan Henderson slotted in alongside Fabinho in their latest makeshift back four as Jurgen Klopp decided not to keep faith with his fringe men.

Ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher suggested the move would do little for the confidence of either Nat Phillips or Rhys Williams, while insisting his old club must sign a new centre-half to win the title.

But Klopp appears reluctant to force the issue, stating Liverpool will only act in the transfer market if the right player becomes available.

With that in mind, here are the latest transfer rumours circulating Anfield.

Alaba approached

Liverpool have been in contact with the agents of Bayern Munich star David Alaba, according to the Guardian .

The 28-year-old is available on a free in the summer as he looks set to leave Bayern once his contract expires.

However, Alaba is said to have his heart set on a "dream" move to Real Madrid, who have already tabled an offer for his services.

Alaba's wage demands could prove too much for Madrid, though, with Liverpool "pushing hard" to land his signature.

Two new options emerge

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It's been an extremely interesting start to the season for Jurgen Klopp's men.

They got their title defence off to a shaky start as they edged out a seven-goal thriller against Leeds, before going on to conceded seven in a hammering by Aston Villa.

Virgil van Dijk's season was ended by injury in the 2-2 draw at Everton, leaving the title favourites looking far less secure at the back – especially with Alisson's injury worries too.

But there's no slowing down in what is going to be a busy campaign – with Klopp ensuring his men continue at full pace as they bid for more title glory.

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There have been no shortage of names put forward for a switch to Merseyside this month, and now two more have been added to the mix.

According to Eurosport, Liverpool could move for either Sporting Braga’s David Carmo or RB Salzburg’s Max Wober to help ease their defensive burden.

Carmo, 21, is thought to have a £35.5million release clause in his current deal at Braga, which could taper Liverpool's interest.

Meanwhile Wober, 22, is a former teammate of Takumi Minamino, and Liverpool hold strong links with Salzburg from that deal, which could prove pivotal if they want to do further business with the Austrian outfit.

Reds urged to make "stop-gap" signing

 

Former Liverpool midfielder John Barnes feels signing a new centre-back is imperative for his old side in order to get back to winning ways.

While the reigning champions have been fairly sturdy in defence, Barnes suggested the lack of a recognised centre-back is impacting other areas of the team, and wants to see a short-term solution arrive in January.

He told BonusCodeBets : "Long-term, Liverpool need better quality in defensive areas. They also need Jordan Henderson playing in midfield.

"Liverpool need a stop-gap defender – they’re probably not going to get the best centre-back in the world in January as that is not always the best time to buy and the best players are in the Champions League for their clubs.

"The centre-back issue is hurting the midfield by taking away players to play in a defensive role.

"Liverpool are not used to the current midfield playing every week so the front three players are not as fluid as they normally are when they haven’t got the regulars playing behind them."

Who should Liverpool try and sign in January? Have your say below.

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