Bayern Munich might have inadvertently helped Liverpool sign Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap ahead of the Premier League's transfer deadline.
Jurgen Klopp has already signed midfield trio Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo this summer, but the Reds' back line remains an area of concern.
Liverpool have lost both James Milner and Fabinho this window - both of whom could slot into defence when called upon by Klopp. While centre-back Nat Phillips completed his loan move to Celtic on Thursday.
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Not to mention Virgil van Dijk, who could be handed an increased suspension for his behaviour towards referee John Brooks in the first half of Liverpool's clash against Newcastle last weekend, after he was shown his marching orders for a challenge on Alexander Isak.
The situation has left Liverpool lacking options in defence, with fans calling out for a new centre-back. And it seems German giants Bayern Munich might have given them a significant boost in the race to sign Bella-Kotchap.
That is because Thomas Tuchel was unable to sign the 21-year-old before the Bundesliga's transfer deadline slammed shut at 17:00 GMT on Friday.
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Therefore, Liverpool may have a clear run at the German international, as Klopp looks to bolster his squad in the final few hours of the window.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided a timely update on the Reds' interest in Bella-Kotchap, admitting that he was unaware of any 'concrete negotiation'.
However, he warned that the Merseyside outfit 'move fast' in the transfer market, citing Endo's surprise move from VfB Stuttgart earlier this summer.
“Let’s see [on Bella-Kotchap to Liverpool], the Italian told Kick’s live blog.
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"At the moment I don’t have any news on concrete negotiation, but Liverpool move fast in deals, like with Endo."
Topics: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Transfers, Football, Premier League, Southampton
Joe Adams