07 December 2023 , 22:30
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Jurgen Klopp could be forced into the market for a new centre-half - and Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix is on their radar.
Liverpool boss Klopp has lost Joel Matip to a season-ending knee injury after the 32-year-old suffered a ruptured ACL injury. Matip is also out of contract this summer and Liverpool were already looking to strengthen their defence for the long term.
Lacroix, 23, who was born in France and represented his country at youth level, could be available at £25m-plus but Liverpool would look to try and negotiate for any player into the final two years of their deal.
Powerful defender Lacroix is a regular for Wolfsburg who are mid-table in the Bundesliga but, at his best, he is known for being a commanding centre-half.
Liverpool also rate highly Crystal Palace's England international Marc Guehi who is likely to be a sought-after defender next summer. Palace will not sell next month but Arsenal and Liverpool are likely to be in the market for a new centre half next month and Guehi has big suitors even if his club will demand a huge fee before considering whether to sell.
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Lacroix is more of an option for the immediate issue as Liverpool will be without Matip for the rest of the campaign. Virgil van Dijk is a mainstay in defence while Ibrahima Konate will surely now become his first-choice defensive partner in the absence of Matip.
Joe Gomez is also back to full fitness after a difficult couple of seasons at Anfield. Youngster Jarell Quansah, 20, an academy graduate, will also step up but Liverpool are fighting on several fronts in the title race, domestic cups and Europa League. That is likely to leave Klopp looking at options for next month to ensure they do not come unstuck in defence as the fixtures mount up.