According to The Pitch Prospect, Liverpool are considering a move for Lutsharel Geertruida ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Geertruida is currently on a season-long loan to Sunderland from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
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However, there are currently discussions about ending the 25-year-old’s time at the Stadium of Light in order to send him to Anfield.
The Pitch Prospect understands Liverpool are considering a loan deal for the rest of the season as defensive insurance.
The Netherlands international has made 17 appearances for Sunderland this season, including seven as a starter.
He can play as a right-back, central defender or defensive midfielder.
Geertruida is someone Arne Slot also knows well, having played under the current Liverpool manager at Feyenoord for three seasons.
The Pitch Prospect is also clear that Liverpool opened up this opportunity and not that the Reds actively sought it. The discussions will run until Deadline Day.
Liverpool’s defensive problems
Arne Slot’s defensive options have been hampered by injuries this season.
Liverpool’s two recognized right-backs, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, are both out through injury.
Center back depth is also an issue, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk currently the only suitable pairings.
Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are both unavailable.
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Liverpool in the transfer market
Arne Slot said Liverpool are currently trying to enter the market ahead of Monday’s 7pm transfer deadline.
After Saturday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle, he said: “We’re trying to strengthen the team, not weaken it.”
“Let’s see when the window ends.”
Andy Robertson has been linked with a move to Tottenham before the deadline, but that seems unlikely given the number of injuries in defense.
The Reds had long been interested in centre-back Marc Guehi, but Man City swooped in and secured the player’s signing from Crystal Palace in January.
City acted quickly as they lacked coverage in defense due to injury.