Liverpool shortlist three targets for January transfer window

Liverpool could move top of the Premier League table with victory over Crystal Palace in Saturday’s early kick-off. 

The Reds currently sit second in the table, just two points behind leaders Arsenal who face Aston Villa later on Saturday.

Last time out, Jurgen Klopp’s side defeated Sheffield United 2-0 at Bramall Lane, courtesy of goals from Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.

One player that won’t be involved at Selhurst Park, though, is defender Joel Matip.

The Cameroon international is set to miss the rest of the current campaign after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last week.

With that in mind, Liverpool have put together a shortlist of three targets for the upcoming January transfer window.

As per Football Insider, the Merseyside outfit are considering Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix, Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio, and Sao Paolo’s Lucas Beraldo as they look to bolster their backline during the upcoming window.

Matip may have played his final game for Liverpool after sustaining a long-term injury, with his contract set to expire next summer

The report claims that Liverpool have accelerated their plans to sign a new central defender, in the wake of Matip’s long-term injury lay-off.

Previously, the Reds had planned to sign a new centre-back next summer, but they will now look to recruit when the window reopens in the new year.

23-year-old defender Lacroix has been in fine form for Wolfsburg in recent months, and is said to be one of Liverpool’s top targets with Klopp said to be a huge admirer of the player.

Inacio is also a top target for Liverpool, with the Portuguese defender having attracted interest from several of Europe’s top clubs over the past 12 months.

The final name on Liverpool’s shortlist – Beraldo – has impressed for Brazilian side Sao Paolo since establishing himself in the first team earlier this year.

Despite his age, the 20-year-old is being considered by Liverpool as they look to add to Klopp’s defensive options.