Liverpool are reportedly prepared to remain with their current options in defence for the remainder of the season.

Key man Virgil van Dijk has been ruled out for the long term courtesy of a serious knee injury sustained during the early stages of the Merseyside derby on October 17.

Having sold Dejan Lovren to Zenit St Petersburg and with Joel Matip suffering frequent injury issues, Liverpool may struggle for numbers in the middle of their backline as the season progresses.

However, according to the Liverpool Echo, there are no guarantees over Jurgen Klopp entering the transfer market during the January window.

The report suggests that club officials have been left mystified by recent links with Schalke 04's Ozan Kabak, who has been tipped to move to a top European club in the future.

Midfielder Fabinho is currently deputising for Van Dijk alongside Joe Gomez, with Matip and youngster Rhys Williams providing added competition.