Liverpool 'weighing up move for Daryl Janmaat' after glowing recommendation

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a move for former Watford star Daryl Janmaat to help ease their defensive crisis.

With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both sidelined for the foreseeable future, Liverpool are desperate for reinforcements at the back and are said to consider Janmaat as a viable option.

The 31-year-old has been a free agent since mutually terminating his contract with the Hornets last month.

Janmaat has been plying his trade in England for the past six seasons, and boasts experience at both Premier League and international level.

According to  TeamTalk  , Janmaat's former Netherlands colleague Georginio Wijnaldum has put in a glowing recommendation to Liverpool bosses.

Wijnaldum has represented Holland alongside Janmaat, and the pair were also teammates at Newcastle, before the defender's switch to Vicarage Road.

Janmaat only made 10 appearances in all competitions last season, but his versatility appeals to Liverpool as he can play at both right-back and cente-half.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold also ruled out of action for a few weeks with a calf injury, Janmaat could provide some much needed cover in the short term.

His free agent status means he could be snapped up on a free transfer imminently should Liverpool choose to make an approach.

Liverpool are set to welcome back Fabinho after the international break, but the lengthy timescale expected on Gomez's injury - coupled with that of van Dijk's - leaves them particularly vulnerable at the back.

Joel Matip has also recently returned to fitness but has completed 90 minutes just twice in the past year due to several injury issues.

Liverpool confirmed Gomez's injury in a statement on Wednesday after he had undergone successful surgery following an incident at an England training camp.

Their statement read: "The issue was isolated to Gomez's tendon, with no damage to any other associated knee ligaments.

"No timescale is being placed upon his return, though the issue is likely to rule him out for a significant part of the remainder of 2020-21."