Sakho, Papadopoulos & co: 5 centre-backs that can solve Liverpool’s defensive problems

Kyriakos Papadopoulos
Kyriakos Papadopoulos

With less than five days remaining Liverpool are looking to land at least one or two major defensive signings before the transfer window slams shut.

The Reds have been linked with several top defenders in the past few months and it is to be seen whether the Merseysiders can lure anyone of their realistic targets within the next few days.

Liverpool

We bring you, five such defenders, with whom Liverpool have been linked in the summer and could make a move to Anfield in the next few days.

Tiago Ilori

The 20-year-old centre-back was linked with Liverpool early in the summer, but due to disagreement of fees with Sporting, the deal looked dead at one point of time. However, the Reds have not given up on the talented Portuguese with reports emerging in Portugal that Liverpool have already concluded a €7 million deal plus add-ons for him.

Mamadou Sakho

Sakho was also one of the players, who have been linked with Liverpool throughout the summer at various points. The 23-year-old will be out of contract next year and is keen to make a move; with Serie A giants Roma have also registered a strong interest in him.

According to reputed Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the defender could make a move to Liverpool in the next few days. He tweeted today: #Sakho future: @OfficialASRoma talked to him but he could (and should) sign with @LFC soon. #footballtransfers

Kyriakos Papadopoulos

The highly gifted 21-year-old from Schalke 04 was heavily linked with Liverpool but the transfer never materialized as the Reds chose not to pay over the top for him. However, with options narrowing down, and time running away, Rodgers might ask the owners to meet the German club’s asking price for their own good. A loan move with an option to buy, for the defender, would be ideal in this situation.

Toby Alderweireld

The Belgian defender was on Liverpool’s radar for some time now and if there is an ideal time to lodge a bid for the Ajax star, it is now. The 24-year-old has been in talks with Atletico Madrid and Roma, but has previously hinted his desire to play for Liverpool, which might prove to be key here.

Joleon Lescott

According to Liverpool Echo, Rodgers is looking to land the Manchester City defender as he looks to strengthen his defensive options.

Ideally, had that offer arrived on City’s table for the former Evertonian earlier, Manuel Pellegrini would have probably sanctioned it, but with City themselves are short of options defensively, such moves are out of question at the moment. Though in football transfers, anything and yes, anything can happen.

So who do you think out of these defenders will grace the hallowed turf of Anfield in the coming days and help Rodgers master a return to the Champions League this season? Have your say below…

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