Liverpool compile four-defender transfer shortlist, including 'complete' Everton star

Liverpool have compiled a four-defender transfer shortlist as Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his backline ahead of next season.

The Reds have been struggling massively this season and have already conceded four more goals than they managed to let in during the entire campaign last term.

They currently sit in 10th place and face a tough Merseyside derby against Everton on Monday, with Sean Dyche's side coming off the back of a big win over league leaders Arsenal.

If they are to start winning games then keeping clean sheets will be key so it's not a surprise that Klopp is already thinking about how he can bolster his defence this summer.

According to FootballTransfers, Liverpool have an interest in Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, Antonio Silva from Benfica, Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP and Jarrad Branthwaite from their city rivals Everton.

All four players are young and would be signings for the future rather than ready made stars, but with Klopp looking to rebuild without spending huge amounts of money they're exactly what he needs.

Braithwaite is the 'complete defender'

One surprising name on the list given he plays for Everton is Braithwaite.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Eredivise side PSV and has produced some brilliant performances in the Dutch league this season.

As a result, he's been linked with not just Liverpool but fellow Premier League giants Manchester United.

He is working under Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Netherlands who was impressed by Braithwaite's standout performance in a recent cup game where he scored two early goals in a 3-1 victory.

After the game, Van Nistelrooy said: “He is a great talent. The boy is 20, but he has a future.

“He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete.”

He would make a great addition to Liverpool's squad but if Everton refuse to sell to an arch-rival then they will have to go for someone else on their shortlist.

Gvardiol is highly-rated but with a buyout clause in his contract worth €110m, he might be out of the Reds' price range.

Silva is represented by super agent Jorge Mendes and is expected to move to England soon so he could be an easy acquisition.

Inacio has played almost every league game for Sporting this season but moving to the Premier League would be a massive step up.

Whoever Liverpool end up going for will provide much needed competition to a defence that has been well below par this season.