Echo

Liverpool tipped to make double January transfer as Virgil van Dijk comments made

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Liverpool have faced defensive injuries this season and Champions League-winner Didi Hamann says there could be two new additions in JanuaryFormer Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann believes that Arne Slot must return to the market in January to solve their brewing defensive issues. The England defender was a player of interest for the Premier League champions throughout the summer, with Liverpool not rushing into a late deal as the centre-back was out of contract in the summer, but at the eleventh-hour Steve Parish denied the 25-year-old the chance to join the club.As a result, Liverpool have been left bare for options in that department with Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez the only out-and-out options to deputise alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.



There are avenues to explore for the likes of Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to filter back into the position should they be required.READ MORE: Former Liverpool striker sends Premier League title reminder - 'Going to be difficult'READ MORE: Arne Slot told Hugo Ekitike issue as Liverpool ‘question’ needs answersBut this season, defensively Liverpool have been poor with their problems at the back being exposed during their four-match losing run which saw Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea and Manchester United all taste victory over the Reds.There have been further defensive issues with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley suffering injury problems, the Dutch summer arrival is the latest name on the treatment table after being ruled out for a number of weeks, with the hamstring injury that he suffered during the win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.Hamann believes that Liverpool may need to delve back into the market, following their summer splurge, to sign a player like Guehi. But there are reports that the Chelsea academy prospect is attracting suitors from around Europe.But the former Germany midfielder claims that if the Reds are still in the title race come January, there may be two additions."Liverpool might need to sign a centre-back in January," Hamann said via Esports News.

"That could be Marc Guehi but it depends on whether Crystal Palace will sell and what their asking price would be."The injury to Giovanni Leoni, who looked promising before his crucial ligament injury, is another blow that Liverpool cannot address until the transfer window reopens."I think if they remain in contention for the league title, I wouldn't be surprised if they try to bring in one or two players in January."He added: "Virgil van Dijk is absolutely vital to the team. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.Follow us on Twitter @‌LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.