Liverpool are already bracing themselves for the lengthy loss of Mamadou Sakho.

Reports suggest that the Reds are ready to make a formal offer for Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen as they seek to fill the potential gap left by Sakho's expected ban.

The French centre-half recently tested positive to a banned substance and has been stood down for 30 days as UEFA commence disciplinary proceedings against him.

Liverpool reportedly fear that Sakho, 26, will be suspended for two years and are making contingency plans in case that occurs.

Spanish publication Sport is of the belief that the Merseyside club have made a £7.5million offer for 30-year-old Vermaelen who has been with Barcelona since leaving Arsenal in the summer of 2014.

The Belgian has appeared only 19 times in all competitions for the Catalan giants this season but Liverpool feel he will be an apt replacement for Sakho despite his injury issues of the past couple of years.