Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are more interested than Tottenham in signing 26-year-old defender

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Liverpool are not guaranteed to make a January signing at centre-back.

The Reds have been linked with a number of players as they aim to fill the hole left from Joel Matip’s injury. One of the most recent rumours has seen them reportedly keeping an eye on Japanese centre-back Ko Itakura.

The man who broke that news was transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. And now, taking to KICK yesterday, Romano has given a further update on Liverpool’s interest in Itakura, as well as the wider possibility of the Reds’ signing a defender this month.

“New centre-back for Liverpool is not something guaranteed for January,” began the journalist. “They are quite happy with the squad they have.

“I released this news about Ko Itakura and Liverpool. Liverpool have been following the player for a long time. They have been in attendance multiple times to follow Itakura.

“He’s a player also appreciated by Tottenham, but we know Tottenham’s priority is Radu Dragusin at this stage. But Itakura has many clubs interested in him in England. He could be one to watch.”

Liverpool following Itakura

For the time being, it seems unlikely that Liverpool will add a defender – or anyone actually – to their squad this month.

The link to Itakura is an interesting one, but it doesn’t feel like the Reds are especially urgent in their interest.

We’d wager that instead of being a player seriously targeted, the 26-year-old is maybe one being watched in case of an emergency. If another one of Liverpool’s centre-backs gets injured, maybe they’ll move to sign the Borussia Monchengladbach man. If not, we don’t think they will.

Being the profile that he is, Itakura doesn’t seem like a natural target for the Reds. He’ll turn 27 later in January. By Liverpool’s recruitment standards, that’s already over the hill.

Having said that, it’s not unreasonable to think that the Reds simply want another solid squad option in defence. The previous thinking had been that Jurgen Klopp wanted a long-term starting partner for Ibrahima Konate, but maybe he’s now changed tack.

There would be two reasons for this. The first being that Liverpool already have their long-term partner for Konate – Jarell Quansah. The 20-year-old has been exceptional this season. Given the surprise nature of his breakthrough, it has almost certainly changed things for Liverpool.

The second factor is that Virgil van Dijk now looks like a player at his peak again. The Dutchman is reportedly planning to continue playing well into his thirties and now looks capable of doing so. Consequently, no Van Dijk successor need be looked for.

So, bearing those two things in mind, Liverpool may just be looking for a cheapish, steady option as a fourth-choice. Joe Gomez is still around too but is now more of a utility man than ever. Itakura could then be the man who slots in. A modern-day, younger Ragnar Klavan perhaps.