Liverpool: Klopp admits clubs want 'crazy money' for defender
Liverpool transfer chief Michael Edwards is seemingly working hard behind the scenes to bring in a new centre-back before the January transfer window closes, but it appears as though one target is out of reach after having a bid 'rejected'. Jurgen Klopp was dealt a further blow this week when Joel Matip suffered an injury setback in the 3-1 win over Tottenham.
Fabinho missed the match with a muscle injury having been the main option in defence in recent months.
And Matip was forced off at half-time against Spurs, with Klopp later confirming the injury was a "serious one".
The Liverpool boss has previously indicated his hope to see defensive cover arrive in January, but Matip's latest setback has stepped up the urgency to bring someone in.
"We think about everything, as you can imagine,” he said. “We think about everything the whole time.
Liverpool are desperate to sign a centre-back (Image: GETTY)
“We try to do the right thing and we have to do the right thing. I am not picky but we need to find the right player.
“We have players still, but it's incredible what's happening in defence."
A host of players have been linked with moves to Anfield, such as Issa Diop and Shkodran Mustafi, but Juventus' Merih Demiral has reportedly emerged as a target for the club.
However, they have already been frustrated in their efforts to sign the 22-year-old.
According to Sky Italia, Liverpool have had a £45million bid rejected by Juventus ahead of the January transfer window deadline.
Demiral has struggled for game time at Juventus since returning from injury in December.
His only league start in 2021 came in the 3-1 win over Sassuolo and was an unused substitute last time out against Sampdoria.
Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt are thought to be ahead of him in the pecking order.
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Liverpool are reportedly interested in Merih Demiral (Image: GETTY)