Liverpool have defensive issues.

The Reds are likely to be without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the remainder of the season and that has surely played a key role in the club’s struggles this season.

They are currently top of the Premier League, of course, but they are level on points with second-placed Manchester United, who could overtake them if they beat Burnley this week.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have conceded 21 goals already this season, a higher number than the entirety of the top 10, bar United.

And so it is little surprise to see them linked with a new central defender.

Sport Witness carries a report from French outlet Le10 Sport claiming that the club are monitoring RC Lens centre-back Loic Bade.

The 20-year-old joined the club from AC Le Havre in the summer following Lens’ promotion to Ligue 1 and has gone on to make 16 appearances in the top-flight.

He played 90 minutes in his second appearance in the top-flight as they beat PSG 1-0, shutting out the likes of Kylian Mbappe, and Liverpool are said to be keeping a close eye on him.

While this may not be a deal for this month, the report states that the Reds are following Bade’s development and are already laying the groundwork for a potential deal.

He is valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt and has a contract until 2023.

GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…

This feels like one for the future.

Bade won’t be coming in to replace Van Dijk or Gomez straight away but he seems a promising prospect.

Per WhoScored, he averages 2.2 tackles per game, 2.8 interceptions, 1.4 fouls, and 3.9 clearances, along with a pass success rate of 85.5%.

This is a highly impressive defender who is currently playing for a genuine underdog in France.

He can only grow and improve as the seasons continue, and what better place to do that than at Anfield?