Liverpool 'make contact' over signing of Colombian wonderkid as Jurgen Klopp eyes defensive reinforcements

Liverpool have made contact with Argentinian club Talleres over the prospect of signing a Colombian wonderkid in January, the club's president has confirmed.

The Reds are yet to complete any incoming business this month, although defensive reinforcements could be on the agenda following a string of injuries.

Their only business so far has been on the outgoing front, with youngsters Fabio Carvalho, Paul Glatzel and Luke Chambers all sealing loan moves away from Anfield.

The deal for Chambers, a centre-back and left-back who has joined League One side Wigan, did come as a surprise to fans given the Reds' lack of current cover in that area.

But the Reds are, it seems, looking for potential reinforcements - and have contacted Talleres about 20-year-old Colombian defender Kevin Mantilla.

That's according to the club's president, Andres Fassi, who is quoted by local outlet La Voz (via Sport Witness) as stating that the Reds have indeed been in discussions, having been initially tracking the player before the January window opened.

Fassi said: "It's true, they have been following him for four months now. And they asked us for information about his physical records."

Mantilla, a tall centre-back who is capped by Colombia at U20 level, joined Talleres from Independiente Santa Fe last summer, with his contract running until December 2027.

He made 43 appearances for Talleres in the most recent season, scoring one goal.

He is valued at just €2.5 million by Transfermarkt, meaning the Reds could sign him for a potential bargain price.

Brighton are also said to be in the race to sign, having specifically targeted the Argentinian market to sign the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Facundo Buonanotte in recent years.

The president did add, however, that he was unwilling to sell the centre-back in the current January window - although if Liverpool come calling, Fassi may find it difficult to turn down any substantial offer.