Liverpool identify two Virgil van Dijk replacements for January transfer window

Liverpool have identified two replacements for Virgil van Dijk they could pursue in the January transfer window.

The Dutchman is expected to be out for most of the season after picking up an ACL tear in the 2-2 draw against Everton.

It has seen the Reds get linked with players such as Manchester United target Dayot Upamecano and Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger.

But The Athletic ’ s insider James Pearce has suggested there are two names at the top of the Premier League champions’ wish list.

Brighton defender Ben White’s name has been “frequently mentioned at Anfield”, he told  TV2 ,  after his impressive season on loan at Leeds last year.

And the Englishman has been thrown straight into Graham Potter’s starting XI this season, missing just two Carabao Cup games.

The 23-year-old signed a new contract last month keeping him at the AMEX Stadium until 2024 after a battle between big clubs for his signature.

If Liverpool ’s pursuit of White did fail, though, they would make an approach for Schalke’s Ozan Kabak.

The 20-year-old made 28 appearances in his debut season for the Bundesliga side, having arrived from Stuggart in 2019.

And the Turkish international has been described as “another good option” for the Reds.

But the insider has suggested that Liverpool’s problems started when they let one player go this year.

Speaking to TV2 , Pearce said: “I will be surprised if they do not sign someone in January. I do not envisage a situation where they play the whole season with the squad they have now.

“The reality is that Van Dijk is irreplaceable, and Liverpool just have to fight on with what they have.

"But it is asked if they do not regret that they did not replace Dejan Lovren this summer, it was a risky game, he says and continues:

“Although Lovren was not the most popular player at Anfield, he made important contributions. They took a risk when they chose to go into this season with one stop less.”