Report claims Klopp has ‘no doubt’ Brazil star would offset Van Dijk blow

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool

Liverpool insiders feel in ‘no doubt’ that Sevilla defender Diego Carlos would go some way to covering for the absence of Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk is in a race to play again this season after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament on Saturday.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, though, will face no retrospective action for his collision with the 29-year-old.

The injury blow has left an alarming gap in Jurgen Klopp‘s defence. Indeed the last time Klopp did not field Van Dijk in a Premier League back four was in January 2018.

As such, pundits such as Jamie Carragher have claimed that Liverpool need to offset his absence with a new signing.

According to Don Balon, Liverpool have already identified their ideal January addition.

The Reds reportedly want to sign Brazil defender Carlos, who has featured heavily for Sevilla of late.

Indeed the 27-year-old played a crucial role in his side’s run to their sixth Europa League crown last season.

Sevilla would reportedly demand €60million (£54million) for Carlos, whose contract expires in 2024. And with his future very much in Spain, the LaLiga side would be in a strong negotiating position.

Carlos has continued to show impressive reliability for his club this season, playing every minute of his side’s league campaign so far.

Should Liverpool manage to seal a deal for the defender, though, they would be beating fierce competition.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly identified Carlos as a top target for upcoming transfer windows.

What’s more, Manchester United are reportedly keen on the player.


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Liverpool’s injury concerns mount

With Van Dijk likely to be out for the rest of the season, Liverpool also have concerns about Joel Matip’s fitness.

The Cameroon centre-back went for a scan on a leg muscle complaint on Saturday, described as a ‘precaution’.

And while the scan revealed no major issue for the centre-back, his club will be wary about his role in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Ajax.

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