[ad_1]
Manchester United could help Liverpool in the search for a center-back in an unlikely way. The Reds are now weighing the possibility of bringing in defensive reinforcements, following the news that Virgil van Dijk requires knee surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament.
Liverpool have done well so far in the absence of the Dutchman, who has missed three games since limping in the Merseyside derby.
The Premier League champions have put six points on the scoreboard in the Champions League, recording a clean sheet in victories over Ajax and FC Midtjylland.
Sheffield United gave Jurgen Klopp’s side a scare on Saturday night at Anfield, but goals from Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota ensured Liverpool did the job.
Makeshift central defender Fabinho is now ready to face a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring problem last night.
ONLY IN: Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already has a new captain in mind
However, the appearance of Axel Tuanzebe means that the position is no longer a priority for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
That bodes well for Liverpool, who will now have a chance to sneak into the turn of the year while trying to twist Leipzig’s arm.
Tuanzebe drew attention upon returning from injury and was exceptional in the 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain as he held off Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.
It will provide stiff competition for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as United wait for the Upamecano release clause to kick in.
Get NOW TV Sky Sports Season Pass and save 25 percent
Jamie Carragher has urged his former Liverpool to close a deal for the France international on January 1. He told Sky Sports: “There is a young man that everyone was talking about in Leipzig, Dayot Upamecano, they talk about him. He has the profile of Van Dijk, I think he is only 6’1” or 6’2 “, so maybe don’t be so airy, but if it’s the one they wanted, then go ahead.
“Pay extra money and do it on January 1. That means going 11 league games without Virgil van Dijk.
“One thing to say about Virgil van Dijk is that in the last 23 games, they have only kept five clean sheets, and Van Dijk played all of them, so it’s not that everything was perfect. We saw all seven against Aston Villa and we saw the Leeds party.
“But I think they have to go big with a signing.”
This article contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission for any sale of products or services that we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here
[ad_2]
