Liverpool 'make enquiry for Fluminense defender Nino'

Liverpool have reportedly identified Fluminense defender Nino as a potential January transfer target.

For a number of months, the Merseyside giants have been heavily linked with another of the Brazilian's side key players in Andre.

However, as well as the midfielder being tipped to sign for Fulham instead, Jurgen Klopp has also been left in a position where focus needs to be placed on strengthening his backline.

As well as Joel Matip being likely to sit out the rest of the season with a knee injury, Kostas Tsimikas suffered a broken collarbone against Arsenal at the weekend.

Although Andrew Robertson is almost ready to return, Klopp is in need of reinforcements with Liverpool challenging for the Premier League title and still involved in four competitions.

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According to Alfredo Pedulla, Liverpool are contemplating whether to become active in the race for Nino.

The centre-back has just enjoyed a successful campaign with Fluminense, helping the Brazilian side lift the Copa Libertadores trophy for the first time in their history.

Furthermore, he was part of the team that recently reached the final of the Club World Cup, eventually succumbing to Manchester City by a 4-0 scoreline.

Nevertheless, it is perceived that the 26-year-old is very much in the shop window courtesy of his contract expiring at the end of 2024 and €7m (£6.1m) release clause being present in his deal.

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Liverpool and Klopp seemingly view the situation as an ideal scenario ahead of attempting to make adjustments to their squad at the midway point.

However, the report adds that each of Fulham, Roma and Feyenoord are also interested in acquiring the services of Nino, who made his Brazil debut in the recent World Cup qualifier against Argentina.

As it stands, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are Klopp's first-choice central defenders, with Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah providing cover.

From Nino's perspective, he has just endured a marathon campaign where he made a total of 57 appearances in all competitions, following up on his 53 outings during 2022, and he will now enjoy a break before resuming action at the back end of January.