• Home

Liverpool are said to be on the verge of signing Augsburg centre-backRagnar Klavan to solve their centre-back crisis, as they face starting the season more of less completely short of cover in the middle of their defence.

With Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez both facing further spells on the sidelines, Jurgen Klopp currently has only Dejan Lovren and new boy Joel Matip to fill the vital role after releasing Kolo Toure and selling Martin Skrtel already this summer.

Liverpool set to complete £4.2m deal for Augsburg's Ragnar Klavan. By @kellysheroesmd https://t.co/oMHqqQXyVk pic.twitter.com/KLEKIzRqFw

The Guardianreport that the Reds are close to completing a £4.2mfor the 30-year-old defender as a reliable full-back option for the coming season, with a move for a newdefender said to be considered a priority by senior figures at the club.

Estonia international Klavan, who has racked up 108 caps in a long international career, would be just the second person from his country to play in the Premier League after former Derby County and Arsenal goalkeeper Mart Poom.

Klavan isn't the Reds' only transfer target though, with reports claiming that Newcastle winger Georginio Wijnaldum is on their radar as Klopp looks to strengthen his attacking forces ahead of a challenge for a place in the Premier League's top four next season.

According to Paul Joyce at theExpress, however, Rafa Benitez would want a Liverpool youngster going the other way in any kind of deal.

Jurgen Klopp targets Augsburg defender Ragnar Klavan & joins race for Georginio Wijnaldum @DominicKing_DM #LFC https://t.co/B08C538CM1

Everton and Tottenham were thought to be leading the chase for the Dutch international, but a late move from Liverpool could cast the whole situation in a different light as the 25-year-old looks to escape the prospect of a season in the Championship when he should be at the peak of his powers.

Last season's flops Newcastle are said to be demanding a fee in excess of £25m for the exciting attacker, but the Reds are thought to be confident of arguing that figure down to a more manageable £20m.

For more from Chris when he's not writing on 90min, follow him on Twitter at @ThatChris1209!