Dayot Upamecano is reportedly Liverpool's top target on a four-man shortlist drawn up to find a replacement for Joe Gomez.
The Reds are facing a defensive injury crisis with both Gomez and Virgil van Dijk ruled out for months.
Gomez underwent successful surgery on Wednesday but may not play again this season, leaving Liverpool with Joel Matip as the only senior centre-back fit and available.
Brazilian Fabinho is poised to return after the international break, while free agent Daryl Janmaat has been linked as a short-term solution; but Jurgen Klopp could now be forced to dip into the transfer market in January to provide more options long-term.
The Athletic report Liverpool were planning to wait until next summer to swoop for Upamecano, who would be available for £40million.
A clause in his new deal allows him to leave Leipzig at the end of the season providing his release clause is met - though Liverpool may look to plug the gap before then.
Other defenders on Liverpool's shortlist include Brighton's Ben White, who has had a decent start to life in the Premier League.
Cokabekpy
397
Clubs have to increase wages for club doctors now perhaps injured players will recover faster[Crylaugh][byebye]
kamdnprtuy
343
trust the youth just give them encouragement I for 1 believe in them