Arne Slot urged to U-turn on Liverpool transfer as January option emerges

Liverpool have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window but are yet to bolster the heart of their defence despite being linked with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi

Liverpool don't need to rush out and buy a new defender this summer, claims former Reds' No 1 David James - who believes Arne Slot's side will be able to rely on outscoring opponents for now.

The Reds have spent heavily this summer, parting with well over £200million. That has seen them bring in the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. Now their attention has turned to Alexander Isak with the prolific Swede open to leaving Newcastle this summer.

Anfield is seen as his most likely destination and that would further bolster a Liverpool attack that already includes the likes of Mohamed Salah.

Slot though has sanctioned the departure of Jarell Quansah whilst Ibrahima Konate, whose contract expires next summer, continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid in 12 months time. That has led to Liverpool's interest in Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi.

James though maintains that Liverpool's defence will more than hold up for the early part of the season with their backline unlikely to face its toughest tests until the latter stages of the Champions League, giving them time to source reinforcements.

He said: “You’d think their offence will always be better than the opposition’s defence and they will be able to out-score other teams except for the occasional game.

“The idea Liverpool have to have the best defence would be wonderful, but I don’t think they have to rush into buying someone. It might be something that happens in January. The end of the Champions League campaign is naturally when you come up against better teams and your defensive issues can be called into question.

“I imagine they will have so much success anyway they won’t feel they have to desperately go out and buy someone and looking at the signings there doesn’t appear to be any desperation so far.”

Guehi has just captained the Eagles to the FA Cup but doesn't have plans to extend his deal at Selhurst Park, which expires in a year. He hasn't ruled out the possibility of running down his contract which would make him a free agent next summer.

Virgil van Dijk remains the team's defensive leader and he recently signed a new deal. Joe Gomez, who has been hampered by fitness issues for years, has just left the team's pre-season camp with an injury problem.