The four centre-backs Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could sign before transfer deadline

Tottenham v Liverpool: Match in pictures

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hinted that the Reds will explore the transfer market in the final days of the January window after Joel Matip hobbled off at half-time against Tottenham. The centre-back is said to have damaged ankle ligaments in the first half of the 3-1 win in north London, with Klopp now down to bare bones.

Auxiliary centre-half Fabinho missed the clash with a muscle problem and Klopp finally conceded after the match that it may be time to act in the transfer market.

“You can imagine we think about everything, of course,” said the German.

“We thought the whole time, we are thinking the whole time. It’s about doing the right thing. I’m not picky or whatever, but we need to find the right player.

“We have players still, but not a lot in the defensive line to be honest – it’s really incredible what is happening there.”

Here are four potential options for Liverpool before the transfer window closes…

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Shkodran Mustafi – Arsenal

The World Cup winner knows Merseyside well following a forgotten three-year stint with Everton between 2009 and 2012.

Arsenal are trying to offload the 28-year-old this month but are yet to have any joy.

That’s where Liverpool come into the picture and the Reds could secure a deal on the cheap, permitting Klopp is prepared to gamble on his compatriot.

Mustafi impressed when he first arrived at Arsenal but his form quickly deteriorated and he has not played regularly since the 2018/19 season.

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Sven Botman – Lille

The Reds were said to be targeting the Lille defender at the beginning of the window before speculation was quickly shut down.

Botman only arrived at Lille last summer from Ajax but has made huge strides in Ligue 1 alongside former Southampton and West Ham man Jose Fonte.

He fits the profile that Liverpool are looking for and would also fit into Klopp’s long-term plans.

However, Botman would not come cheap therefore negotiations are unlikely to be smooth or speedy, which is what Liverpool are currently looking for.

Ozan Kabak – Schalke

Schalke are currently fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Bundesliga table.

For that reason, they are unlikely to entertain the idea of weakening their side halfway through the season.

But, Kabak is an option that Liverpool like and Klopp is continuing to make checks on him.

Should Liverpool decide to make their move, it’s unlikely to happen until the summer.

Eder Militao – Real Madrid

Real Madrid have already shown they are willing to let fringe players leave on loan, as Martin Odegaard completed a switch to Arsenal until the end of the season.

Militao is the club’s third-choice centre-back, meaning it would make little sense to let him leave.

There was talk that Tottenham were after the Brazilian but their interest was never followed up with a concrete offer.

Klopp knows all about Militao’s quality given that he has lined up against the Reds for Porto.

Yet again, this deal looks complicated and would not come cheap.

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