Liverpool have made a move to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, according to a report.
The champions suffered a rare defeat to Southampton on Monday night, in a game in which Jurgen Klopp started with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho at centre-back.
Injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have left Klopp short of options. And Jamie Carragher thinks Liverpool must sign a new defender this month if they want to retain the title.
“I can’t see Liverpool winning the league if they don’t buy a centre-back,” Carragher told Monday Night Football.
“I said that after the Everton game when (Virgil) van Dijk was injured but I think it’s a really tough ask if they don’t bring anyone in.
“The fact they played Jordan Henderson at centre-back is not going to do a lot for the two lads on the bench (Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips) and their confidence if they have two midfielders playing there. Henderson is not a centre-back. He did well, but it’s not his position.”
The German coach has though made it clear he will not rush into any signings his month.
“So we have solutions in the squad, and if we can, or if we will do something in the winter, I just don’t know.
“It is a very difficult transfer window as you can imagine. Not all of the clubs have real money.
“Doing something makes no sense. Doing the right thing makes sense. So far we have really liked what we have done.”
But there appears to be work going on in the background at Anfield, because reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says the Reds are interested in Alaba, although a deal this month is unlikely.
Real in race for Alaba
Romano revealed on Monday that Madrid are leading the race to sign him and he says that remains the case. But he offered an update via Twitter on Tuesday suggesting that Liverpool have also made a move to sign the 28-year-old.
“Liverpool are among the five clubs that have contacted David Alaba agent to sign him next summer.
“But Real Madrid are leading the race, they’re pushing to sign Alaba and David dreams of playing for Real Madrid. And talks with Real are progressing, as said yesterday.”
Liverpool are among the five clubs that have contacted David Alaba agent to sign him next summer.
#lfc
…but Real Madrid are leading the race, they’re pushing to sign Alaba and David dreams of playing for Real Madrid. And talks with Real are progressing, as said yesterday. https://t.co/LITUivZexn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2021
In December, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool had a “strong interest” in Alaba.
Alaba has spent his entire professional career with the German giants, but he looks set to move this summer.
The defender can play all across the backline and has made over 400 appearances for Bayern. He is though out of contract in June and has, so far, refused to pen an extension in Bavaria.
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