Liverpool have held talks with the agents of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

The Manchester Evening News says Liverpool, Manchester United, and a number of unnamed clubs are holding talks with Varane's camp as he approaches his final year as a Real Madrid player.

Liverpool have been without Virgil Van Dijk for the majority of the campaign, whilst Joel Matip has been in-and-out of the side with injuries himself.

This has left the Red's spread thin at the back, with Fabinho - a natural midfielder - having to cover.

However, Jurgen Klopp did sign both Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies in January - and Nat Phillips has stepped up for the German.

But the lack of seniority at the back has been a cause for concern without Van Dijk and Matip, and it's - reportedly - what Varane will bring to the side should he sign for Liverpool.