Former Liverpool star Ray Houghton believes that Southampton's Dejan Lovren would be the perfect addition to the club's defence.

The Reds are believed to be close to securing the signing of the 25-year-old Croatian centre-back for a fee of £20m.

"I think Lovren would be a great addition," Houghton told the Daily Star.

"I looked at him a lot last season. I think he's a very good defender and Liverpool need defensive options."

Liverpool have already signed Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert from Southampton this summer.