Liverpool are interested in signing Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez, according to Calciomercato [via ASRomaLive].
The Reds are short of defensive options for the foreseeable future, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez expected to be out for the remainder of the season.
Jurgen Klopp could potentially delve into the transfer market in January, with the likes of Dayot Upamecano and Ozan Kabak linked with moves.
Now Ibanez has emerged as a new target, with Paris Saint-German also believed to be keen on the 22-year-old. He has a price tag of around £31-36million, with Tottenham and Leicester City believed to have had £27million bids rejected during the summer,
The Brazilian only joined Roma from Atalanta in January, but has shone for them this season, making 12 appearances in Serie A.
Read Liverpool Verdict
Ibanez is certainly an exciting prospect, so it is encouraging to see Liverpool possibly show an interest in him.
At 22, he represents a long-term option, rather than someone who could come in and act as a quick fix.
If he did join, he would have to accept a squad role, however, assuming both Joel Matip and Fabinho stay fit.
I do still think it is most likely that Klopp won’t signing a centre-back in January, instead showing faith in the likes of Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips.
It will be a risky strategy if that is the case, but the Liverpool manager has done more than enough for supporters to trust him.
