Two replacements Liverpool should consider for Dejan Lovren in January

According to a report from The Sun, Dejan Lovren is on the brink of leaving Liverpool in a £23million deal to AS Roma.

The Croatian international, 30, was left on the bench in Liverpool’s Champions League final win over Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season and he recognizes he is fourth choice behind Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. He was not even named on the bench for the Reds’ UEFA Super Cup win over Chelsea earlier this week.

As a result, Dejan Lovren is keen to leave Anfield this summer in pursuit of first-team football and AS Roma are keen to bring him to Italy. The centre back, who was a World Cup finalist in 2018, is willing to take a substantial wage cut in order to seal his move, showing his own preference to leave Liverpool.

Should the Croatian leave, Klopp will be left somewhat short of defensive options. Central defensive midfielder Fabinho would likely be considered to be the fourth-choice centre-half, with Gomez also expected to provide cover to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

As the transfer window in England has now shut, Liverpool will not be able to bring in a replacement for the experienced defender until January. That being said, here are two replacements for Lovren the Reds should sign in January.

1. James Tarkowski (Burnley)

Back in January, Burnley defender James Tarkowski was linked with a shock move to Liverpool.

Tarkowski, 26, has been playing some excellent football for the past couple of seasons at the centre of defence for Burnley. He was an integral part of the Clarets that avoid relegation from the top-flight last term.

The England international is one of the underrated defenders in the Premier League. He is strong in the air, while also being robust in the challenges. For his age and experience, Tarkowski represents a sound investment for the future, and it would be ideal if Liverpool reignites their interest and sign him in January.

2. Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United)

Last year, Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles had attracted interest from Premier League rivals, including Liverpool.

Lascelles, 25, is widely regarded as one of the most promising defensive prospects of English football, establishing himself as one of the mainstays of Newcastle’s backline over the last couple of seasons.

If one watches the Englishman, in particular, they’d know his reliability in both boxes, dominance in the air and the leadership at the back. Lascelles is 25, experienced in the Premier League and his performances have been solid for the Magpies.

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For now, the Newcastle defender has his best years ahead of him and that should make Liverpool go for him. If they manage to sign him in January, Lascelles could represent a sound long-term replacement for Lovren.