Ben White, Ozan Kabak and 13 centre-backs linked with Liverpool transfer

With the January transfer window just one month away, Liverpool transfer rumours continue to focus on the club’s potential search for a new centre-back.

Given the serious nature of the injuries suffered by Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, the Premier League champions may dip into the market to find a solution for their defensive woes.

And the rumour mill has – as always – been very busy over the last few weeks.

While we must wait a little longer to see whether or not the Reds will address Jurgen Klopp’s crisis at the back, here is every centre-back Liverpool have been linked with ahead of the January window.

Kalidou Koulibaly

A rumour mill favourite, Koulibaly has long been linked with a Premier League switch.

The Napoli stalwart was the subject of intense speculation over the summer regarding a move to Manchester City, but remained in Italy.

According to Calciomercato, however, Liverpool retain an interest in the 29-year-old.

Experienced and proven at the highest level, Koulibaly is an attractive - but expensive - candidate to bolster the Reds back-line.

Ben White

While he was unable to stop Diogo Jota from firing Liverpool ahead on Saturday, the Brighton & Hove Albion defender has forged a stellar reputation as one of the Premier League’s finest young centre-backs.

White has been a crucial cog for Graham Potter’s Seagulls having helped Leeds United achieve promotion during last season’s loan at Elland Road.

However, like Koulibaly, White would come at a hefty price with claims Brighton will demand £50 million for the 23-year-old.

Diego Carlos

The Sevilla defender is wanted by Liverpool and Real Madrid, according to El Desmarque.

The 27-year-old Brazilian has impressed for the Spanish club since arriving from Nantes in 2019, helping Sevilla win last season’s Europa League.

Ozan Kabak

Klopp is reportedly a big fan of the young Schalke defender with The Mirror claiming Liverpool have opened talks over a January deal.

As per the report, Schalke want close to £40m for the 20-year-old Turkey international, although Liverpool are hoping to strike a deal at closer to £20m.

An exciting prospect, for sure, but given his age, it may take time for Kabak to settle at Anfield were he to make the move from Germany.

Dayot Upamecano

A player seemingly near the top of every club’s defensive shopping list, Liverpool are one of several sides to have been linked with the Frenchman.

According to The Athletic, Upamecano is at the top of the Reds' wanted list.

However, prising the 22-year-old away from RB Leipzig halfway through the season will almost certainly prove problematic.

Perr Schuurs

Another one to file under ‘promising prospect’, Schuurs has only broken into the Ajax team over the last few months having joined from Fortuna Sittard in 2018.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Liverpool have already submitted a £27m bid for the 21-year-old.

While his talent is undeniable, Schuurs is still raw and would not be expected to consistently perform at van Dijk or Gomez’s level if he arrived in January.

Ezequiel Garay

Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Garay, who is a free agent after leaving Valencia over the summer, as per Fabrizio Romano.

At 34, Garay represents an experienced, short-term fix for Klopp and the Argentine boasts plenty of top-level experience having previously turned out for Real Madrid, Benfica and Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Milan Skriniar

Earlier this month, ESPN claimed Inter Milan’s Skriniar was among the list of targets being explored by the Liverpool recruitment team.

Skriniar, who was heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur over the summer, has fallen down the pecking order at the San Siro under Antonio Conte and could look to force a move away in January.

Inter value the 25-year-old Slovakian at close £60m, however, so Liverpool may pursue for cheaper alternatives.

Jules Kounde

According to 90Min, Kounde is one of several names being considered at Anfield.

The young Frenchman has caught the eye since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux last year, with his performances in Europe earning him a place in the 2019/20 Europa League squad of the season.

David Alaba

Alaba is expected to be the subject of an intense tug-of-war between some of Europe’s biggest clubs after rejecting a contract extension at Bayern Munich.

And according to Football Insider, Alaba would be willing to join the Reds but is also eyeing a potential move to either Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Chelsea have also been mentioned as a possible destination for the versatile Austrian, so competition for his signature will surely be fierce.

Malick Thiaw

Liverpool have made contact with Schalke over signing Thiaw, according to Bild.

At 19, Thiaw is very much in the formative stages of his development, so a January move seems unlikely but he is certainly a name to look out for in the future.

Pau Torres

In the same 90Min report that mentioned Kounde as a target, Villarreal’s Torres also received a mention.

Already an established Spain international, the 23-year-old would be a hugely exciting addition to Klopp’s defence.

Mykola Matvienko

It's also claimed in that 90Min report that Shakhtar Donetsk’s Matvienko appears on Liverpool’s wishlist.

The 24-year-old, a regular in the Ukraine national team, has also been linked with West Ham United in the past and could be available in January.