Liverpool have received a reported transfer boost in the race for Bayern Munich star David Alaba.
The Reds have had a nightmare start to the season on the injury front, losing Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and now Trent Alexander-Arnold in the space of just a few weeks.
Jurgen Klopp's resources look set to be put to the test in the coming weeks and months and it could be a perfect opportunity to integrate some of the up-and-coming youngsters, such as Rhys and Neco Williams.
However, the sudden depletion of available options may well spark Liverpool's transfer honchos, and Michael Edwards in particular, into action.
According to a recent report from 90min.com, the club have been boosted in their pursuit of one of the most accomplished defenders in world football, namely David Alaba.
The report claims thatLiverpool and Manchester City monitored Alaba during the summer but were both turned down due to the Austrian's desire to steer clear of the Premier League.
However, Alaba's stance has since changed and he is now open to the possibility of moving to England.
The report does not state whether Liverpool will move for him in January or in the summer, but he should be available for a snip of his true value if a move is made in the mid-season window.
Given his contract is due to expire in June 2021 - making him the 2nd most valuable soon to be free agent in world football - the Bundesliga star will certainly carry a huge weight of appeal for Liverpool's sporting director.
Edwards has been hailed for his ability to agree the right price for the club in terms of both incoming and outgoing deals, and a free transfer for a player of Alaba's calibre will only strengthen his reputation.
While speaking to BT Sport (via HITC), the former England striker Peter Crouch had this to say about Edwards' work in the transfer market following Diogo Jota's Champions League hat-trick against Atalanta.
“You just have to tip your hat to the recruitment policy.
“If you go through it, Salah was at Roma and had been at Chelsea, Alisson - there wasn’t loads after him - Robertson was £7 million, Wijnaldum at Newcastle, Mane even.
“I think Michael Edwards and all the recruitment team deserve a lot of credit.”
If the Premier League title holders are able to lure Alaba to Anfield it could be a game changer for the defensive unit.
While Joel Matip has blossomed next to van Dijk and Joe Gomez continues to show promise, there's no doubt that Alaba would be a dream partner for the revered Netherlands international.
First and foremost his CV speaks for itself: the 28-year-old has won two Champions Leagues at Bayern, nine Bundesliga titles, six German cups and has been named Austrian player of the year on six separate occasions.
The converted centre-back is one of the world's best in his position and his £58.5m Transfermarkt valuation reflects his standing.
Not only does he bring a wealth of experience at the apex of European football, he is also naturally left-footed unlike any of Liverpool's other central defensive options.
Alongside van Dijk, the added balance Alaba would bring could make Klopp's defensive unit the most impenetrable in English football.
Edwards might just outdo himself if he is able to work his magic on the negotiating table once again with a deal for Alaba.