Liverpool 'identify two defensive transfer targets'

Ajax's Perr Schuurs and Schalke 04's Ozan Kabak are reportedly Liverpool's two leading defensive targets ahead of the January transfer window.

The Reds still have huge injury issues at the back, with Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip currently on the sidelines.

Jurgen Klopp's side have recently been linked with Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar but have allegedly cooled their interest due to the Italian club's asking price.

According to Calciomercato, Liverpool want to sign a new central defender at the start of 2021 and could move for either Schuurs or Kabak in the upcoming market.

The Premier League champions could face competition for the Schalke defender, though, as Manchester United are also said to be interested in bringing him to the Premier League.

Van Dijk - out of action since picking up a serious knee injury in the Merseyside derby back in October - has recently provided an update on his recovery.