Liverpool may be forced to again delve into the defender's section of the transfer market after it was reported that Joe Gomez is struggling with injury.
The 19-year-old ruptured a cruciate ligament while on England U21 duty in October, forcing him out for the remainder of the season, which saw him unable to play under Jurgen Klopp.
It is believed that the former Charlton Athletic starlet has been getting himself back to fitness but is now battling a concerning achilles problem with no set return date in sight.
Centre-back Gomez, who can also operate at full-back, was only set to be used as cover by Klopp this season but with the possibility of him being unavailable, the German may have to look for reinforcements.
Martin Skrtel has joined Fenerbahce, Kolo Toure has been released and Mamadou Sakho remains sidelined with an achilles issue of his own leaving only Dejan Lovren and new signing Joel Matip as Klopp's only recognised central defensive options.