Liverpool chiefs have RB Leipzig centre-half Dayot Upamecano top of their defensive transfer targets.

Upamecano is at the top of Liverpool's wish list following injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, reports the Athletic.

Liverpool were already planning to dip into next summer's transfer market for a new defender - with Upamecano their top target.

The Premier League champions may be forced to accelerate those plans and carry out business in January given their desperate defensive situation, yet Upamecano will be available for just £40million at the end of the season due to a clause in his Leipzig contract.

Reds chiefs and manager Jurgen Klopp therefore have a conundrum on their hands: break the bank to try and sign the 22-year-old in just over a month's time or hold fire and target a cheaper deal next summer.