Liverpool identify Van Dijk replacement

 

Liverpool have opened talks with Schalke over a possible £20m move for Ozan Kabak in January, reports the Sunday Mirror. 

 

The Reds must make do without Virgil van Dijk for the rest of the season after the Dutchman was forced off in their 2-2 Merseyside Derby draw last weekend. 

 

Van Dijk is set to undergo surgery on the knee injury sustained in the stalemate at Goodison Park and it has left Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp short on centre-back options. 

 

Fabinho has deputised impressively in the 29-year-old's absence, but Joe Gomez and Joel Matip's previous injury woes means Klopp needs to strengthen sooner rather than later. 

 

Liverpool were linked with a move for Kabak over the summer, but a move failed to materialise. 

 

Klopp is a huge admirer of the Turkish centre-back, but Schalke had looked to sign £40m for the defender, which Liverpool could not afford. 

 

Their stance on the youngster has softened, but Schalke are still seeking to land at least £30m for the 20-year-old. 

 

 

However, while Kabak has his admirers, the defender has struggled with his discipline for both club and country this season having been booked in his four starts for Schalke and Turkey in 2020/21.