Liverpool pursuing Geertruida after 25-year-old worked with Slot at Feyenoord

Liverpool are exploring a move for Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida.

The 25-year-old can play at right-back and centre back and is known to Liverpool boss Arne Slot from their time together at Feyenoord.

The Netherlands international has been on Liverpool's radar previously when he was looking for more game time after a frustrating spell with RB Leipzig last season following a £17m move from Feyenoord.

A deal is considered a long shot at this stage because of the timings with the window closing tomorrow, the complication of taking on the loan and Sunderland's need to find a replacement but talks are ongoing.

Geertruida has played 17 times in the Premier League this season.

Daily Mail Sport reported Liverpool's interest in Geertruida last May, prior to their decision to sign Jeremie Frimpong and with Conor Bradley showing great promise.

Geertruida was subsequently due to join Marseille on deadline day before Sunderland stepped in with a £2.1m loan fee and option to buy at £21m.

The Sunderland star is not the only name on Liverpool's shortlist as they try to bolster Slot's defence before Monday's 7pm deadline.

Geertruida was such an influential figure for Slot when the pair were winning trophies together at Feyenoord.

Geertruida can also step into midfield and be used as a fifth man in that area – it is something he used to do to great effect in the Eredivise.