Liverpool reportedly after several defenders

According to reports this morning Liverpool are currently chasing defenders on three fronts, with two having previously been of interest to the club and a new name that has cropped up in the past 24 hours.

Over the past couple of months, the Reds have been linked with moves for both Neven Subotic of Borussia Dortmund and Joel Matip of Schalke; both of whom would reportedly be available in the summer.

However, Liverpool (that’s according to the Daily Mirror) are keen to step up a move for at least one of those players on loan as soon as possible, following the latest injury farces to have struck the club.

Subotic has struggled to retain his place this season, and considering that Klopp took the player to Dortmund from his former club Mainz, it’s not hard to see him bringing him to Anfield. Nor is it a strange prospect to consider that the player would be keen to team up a manager he has worked with for close to a decade at two clubs.

The 27 year old would bring a great deal of experience, but also the experience of winning leagues and cups, having won the Bundesliga twice under Klopp, as well as the German cup.

As of the past half hour, reports from the Independent claim that Jurgen Klopp has been in contact with his former club, attempting to sign Subotic on loan in time for the FA Cup third round tie against Exeter tomorrow. Quite whether this is a possibility remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Joel Matip is a highly rated German-born Cameroon international, with close to 240 games for one of Germany’s top sides. His contract is due to expire in the summer and it is believed that the club could acquire his services early for a small fee, after seeming odds-on to attempt to sign the player on a pre-contract agreement.

The 24 year old centre back can also double as a defensive midfielder. Something which, as we’ve stated before, could probably sway Liverpool, with the player able to comfortably cover two key positions for the team.

But a third name was thrown into the mix yesterday, as it was reported that former Inter Milan captain, Andrea Ranocchia, is considered surplus to requirements at the club with Roberto Mancini is keen to move the defender on.

Reports yesterday claimed that Liverpool had agreed terms with the player and were attempting to negotiate a fee. No more has been reported on this, but the Italian international would certainly bring experience. Even if his slightly cumbersome nature has drawn much criticism, he is believed to be strong in the air and has drawn praise from former Inter greats.

As of today, it is unclear where things stand with the 27 year old but it seems clear that Klopp is determined to sign a new defender as soon as possible.

It does appear that Subotic would be the preference but things could escalate very quickly if Klopp wants to sign a centre back before the third round tomorrow.