- Liverpool targeting Senegal defender Kara Mbodji
- Viewed as a possible alternative to Virgil van Dijk
- Mbodji a friend and international teammate of Sadio Mane
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Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up alternatives for Virgil van Dijk as Jurgen Klopp strives to bolster his defensive ranks.
£10million-rated Senegal central-defender Kara Mbodji has been identified as a potential January target, according to Turkish Football.
Mbodji was noted as an impressive performer throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign, which saw Senegal book a place at Russia 2018 with a 2-0 win over South Africa.
The Anderlecht star’s friendship with Sadio Mane has been tipped as a key component to any possible deal.
That said, the ease at which rumours have been conjured in recent months makes the latest link one worth taking with a pinch of salt.
The Reds failed in their efforts to sign Van Dijk in the summer after becoming subject to a complaint from Southampton for an alleged illegal approach.
Hope during August that a deal may still have been possible was later fuelled by the Dutchman’s transfer request.
Despite the defender’s desire to make the move to Anfield, Liverpool refrained from lodging an official offer after being given no reason to believe Southampton would be prepared to deal with the club.
Though Reds will be keen to see Klopp strengthen his defence, fans remain eager for Joe Gomez to be given an extended run at centre-back following his superb performances for England against Germany and Brazil.