Liverpool are set to look close to home as they seek to bolster their defensive options during the summer transfer window.
The Reds are seemingly eager to add to their strength in-depth in all positions ahead of a 2018/2019 campaign in which they will be expected to mount a Premier League title challenge.
It appears Virgil van Dijk’s striking impression since his January arrival won’t deter Jurgen Klopp from pursuing further centre-back reinforcements.
Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles both own a place on a four-man wish-list, according to the Independent’s Miguel Delaney.
Tarkowski has been instrumental in Sean Dyche’s side securing a historic place in Europe and will deem himself unfortunate to have missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man World Cup squad.
Besides asserting himself as a stern physical obstacle for attackers in England’s top flight, he has also demonstrated a composure on the ball naturally well-suited to Liverpool’s approach.
Lascelles himself can acclaim to offering similar expertise in an impressive season as captain of Rafael Benitez’s overachieving Newcastle side.
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Interest in the pair promises to stem from Liverpool’s mini injury crisis during the latter stages of the season, with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez both resigned to lengthy spells on the sideline.
Klopp’s desire to strengthen his midfield similarly arrives on the back of Adam Lallana’s absence through injury for large parts of the campaign, as well as uncertainty over the return date of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Any pursuit of Tarkowski and Lascelles poses immediate questions over what kind of role Gomez will play at the club next season, with the Englishman vying for a transition into his preferred central role.
The 20-year-old has often shared the workload with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back in the absence of Nathaniel Clyne this season, but has been tipped as a future partner for Van Dijk on the basis of early evidence of the athleticism and technical ability associated with modern centre-backs.
Liverpool are also rumoured to be interested in a new goalkeeper and have been strongly linked with Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir.