Liverpool ready to move for 6ft 4 machine who could replace Van Dijk

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Torino defender Perr Schuurs ahead of a potential move, according to reports.

Jurgen Klopp's side has gone through something of an injury crisis at centre-back this season, with Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate both missing plenty of gametime.

Joe Gomez has partnered the ever-present Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool's defence in recent weeks, with Konate replacing him for the 2-0 Champions League win over Napoli on Tuesday after returning to full fitness.

According to reports, Liverpool are looking to add another defender to their squad.

Liverpool interested in Perr Schuurs

The Reds' centre-back search has taken them to Torino star Perr Schuurs, as per Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb.

They claim that Liverpool have begun their search for a successor to Van Dijk, who turns 32 next year.

Schuurs has impressed for Torino this season, helping his side to sit ninth in Serie A, with five wins from their 12 games. The side has the eighth-best defensive record in the division, conceding 14 goals.

The 22-year-old also caught the eye of the Reds when he played against them in the Champions League during the 2020/21 season.

Then at Ajax, Schuurs starred in his side's win over Liverpool in the Netherlands - so much so that Klopp's side were linked with a move for him at the time.

There is something of a uniqueness to this particular transfer chase, however.

Schuurs went on trial at Anfield as a 17-year-old, but Liverpool elected not to sign the player. They have been keeping tabs on the player ever since.

He moved to Torino in the summer for an initial fee of €9 million, which could rise to €11.3 million. That suggests, therefore, that the Italian side will not be keen to give up one of their star assets so early in his contract.

Liverpool also face competition for his signature from Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone's side also linked with signing a new centre-back in the upcoming transfer windows.

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As per Spanish outlet Fichajes, Atleti are reportedly targeting Arsenal defender William Saliba, whose contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in 2023.

But the Gunners do have an option to extend by 12 months, and they have also offered him a new deal to stay at London.

That may force Simeone to turn towards Schuurs - but Liverpool could well beat them to the Dutchman's signing if they choose to follow up any initial interest.