MX23RW : Saturday, May 18 09:44:58| >> :120:7138:7138:

Liverpool 'identify two-man shortlist for Virgil van Dijk replacement'

Liverpool reportedly identify two possible replacements for the injured Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window - Brighton's Ben White and Ozak Kabak of Schalke.

Liverpool have reportedly drawn up a two-man shortlist of potential January replacements for the injured Virgil van Dijk.

The Premier League champions are likely to be without the Dutchman for the remainder of the season after he suffered an ACL injury which requires surgery during Saturday's 2-2 Merseyside derby draw with Everton.

The setback leaves Jurgen Klopp with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as his only two senior recognised centre-back options, while Fabinho adds extra cover as a makeshift choice.

Liverpool are subsequently expected to look for replacements when the transfer window reopens, and The Athletic reports that they have lined up two possible targets.

The top choice would be Brighton & Hove Albion's Ben White, whom they scouted extensively during his loan spell with Leeds United last summer.

Brighton refused to sell White during the summer, though, and the report goes on to claim that the Reds have identified Schalke 04's Ozan Kabak as an alternative option should White be unavailable again.

The 20-year-old impressed during his debut season for the Bundesliga outfit last season and could be open to a move away given Schalke's poor start to the new campaign.

White would likely cost in excess of £30m having only recently signed a new four-year contract at the Amex Stadium, while Kabak is valued at around £40m.

Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Dayot Upamecano, although they are expected to wait until next summer, when his release clause drops in price, to make their move.

ID:419070: cacheID:419070:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3338:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Brighton & Hove Albion's Ben White pictured in September 2020
Read Next:
Liverpool planning January move for Ben White?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City37277393336088
2Arsenal37275589286186
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
6Chelsea371791175621360
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle371761481602157
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd37176145558-357
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton371212135560-548
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!