Liverpool have opened talks over what would be their first signing of the transfer window - hours after their 4-1 win over Newcastle.
Hugo Ekitike scored twice for the Reds to briefly release some of the pressure on the squad and manager Arne Slot.
The result moves them ahead of Manchester United into fifth place in the Premier League, but Michael Carrick's side do not play until later on Sunday when they host Fulham at Old Trafford.
There has been significant criticism from fans over Liverpool's lack of January window business, particularly in defensive areas.
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The Reds clearly decided that signing a centre-back was a key priority in the summer, as they agreed a deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on deadline day only for the move to fall through.
Giovanni Leoni's ACL injury suffered in September has further depleted Slot's options at centre-back, with Joe Gomez's injury suffered against Bournemouth last month meaning that, out of their senior options, Liverpool only have Ibrahima Konate and captain Virgil van Dijk - as well as emergency centre-back Wataru Endo - available to play.
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Liverpool's hierarchy have now decided to sanction a move for a new central defender in the closing days of the window.
With Guehi having already signed for Manchester City, Ornstein reports that the Reds are 'exploring a deal' to sign Lutsharel Geertruida on loan from RB Leipzig.
The Netherlands international is currently on loan at Premier League side Sunderland, but hasn't played in any of their last three games.
It is reported that Sunderland are already examining potential replacements for the 25-year-old, who can also play at right-back, left-back and in midfield.
His versatility is said to be a key reason behind Liverpool's last-minute pursuit, with only two days to secure the signing.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie adds that, although there is no break clause in Geertruida's current loan contract, Sunderland 'won't stand in his way due to [the] scale of the opportunity'.
He has made 17 Premier League appearances for Regis Le Bris' side this season, mostly as a centre-back in a five-defender formation but also as part of a back four on occasion.
Geertruida was linked with Arsenal back in 2024 when he was at Feyenoord, but ultimately signed a five-year deal with RB Leipzig after completing a €20 million move.
He made 35 appearances in all competitions for the German side last season,
The defender had a challenging first campaign in Germany and Leipzig subsequently sanctioned a loan move, though the club did note in his departure statement that he had 'proved his great potential several times during his first year'.
Topics: Premier League, Liverpool, Arne Slot, Football, Transfers, Sunderland, RB Leipzig
Ryan Smart