Liverpool are believed to be among the ‘options’ available to Red Bull Salzburg defender Maxi Wöber, who could help ease the defensive injury crisis this season at Anfield.
This comes as reports from Eurosport and Austrian publication Der Standard have linked the Reds and a host of other clubs with the 22-year-old, who has a market value of £8.2m according to Transfermarkt.
Jurgen Klopp’s loyalty to his current squad members is being stretched to breaking point as his defenders fall by the wayside on a continued basis. However, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will venture into the transfer market for a centre-back, something which is seen by many as a necessity.
Austria under-21 international Wöber has made 19 first team appearances this season, including all six of Salzburg’s Champions League group games.
Liverpool have a recent history of transfer dealings with the Austrian champions after signing Takumi Minamino just over a year ago.
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In normal circumstances, links with a defender of the quality, age and potential of Wöber would be viewed with an eye to the future whilst playing cup games in place of the departed Dejan Lovren.
Now that the need is far more urgent, Klopp needs a defender who is tried and tested at the elite level and can play an instant role in the first team, and the 6’1 left-footer could fit the bill.
Back in November the Austrian won seven of his 10 duels against Bayern Munich’s attackers, including battles with prolific striker Robert Lewandowski.
After the Reds’ apparent move for Sven Botman was kiboshed by James Pearce, we won’t be getting too carried away with these links just yet.
