Liverpool are negotiating to sign defender Lutsharel Geertruida on loan before Monday's transfer deadline, with talks under way to end his Sunderland loan and facilitate a move to Anfield from RB Leipzig
Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Lutsharel Geertruida.
Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida.(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool are preparing an eleventh-hour swoop in the transfer market, with the Merseysiders reportedly holding discussions regarding the acquisition of Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida.
The window shuts in little more than 24 hours' time, with Liverpool facing a 7pm UK deadlin to finalise any arrivals or departures. Manager Arne Slot has recently downplayed expectations of fresh additions, though that position appears to have shifted considerably.
With full-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both nursing injuries, alongside centre-halves Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni who are similarly unavailable, the Anfield outfit seems poised to pursue a deadline-day defensive reinforcement.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports the club is engaged in discussions to secure Geertruida's services ahead of tomorrow's cut-off. Preliminary contact has reportedly been established with Sunderland, with talks now progressing between the respective parties.
The 25 year old is spending the campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light from RB Leipzig, however The Athletic suggests conversations are under way regarding terminating that arrangement to enable a temporary switch to Merseyside, reports Liverpool.com.
Slot naturally has intimate knowledge of Geertruida following their shared spell at Feyenoord, with the versatile defender having been touted for an Anfield transfer even prior to Slot's arrival at the helm.
His ability to operate at right-back, centre-half or as a defensive midfielder would provide Liverpool with valuable cover given the current spate of injuries affecting their defensive ranks. It's understood that any such deal would receive approval from Sunderland, despite the Black Cats having recently seen fellow loanee Marc Guiu head back to Chelsea.
Geertruida has featured in 17 league matches for Sunderland, starting seven of those fixtures.
The pursuit of Geertruida follows Slot's suggestion on Saturday that Liverpool might make a last-gasp bid to bolster its ranks before the transfer window shuts.
Following the 4-1 victory over Newcastle at Anfield, the Reds' manager was questioned about recent speculation linking Curtis Jones with a switch to Inter Milan, with Slot appearing to dismiss any departures from the club, whilst leaving the door open for potential arrivals.
"I think there's always a lot of talk about Liverpool and Liverpool players," Slot said.
"There was a lot of noise around the club the last week or should I say weeks, but today our fans showed what noise really means. That is being loud, they were so helpful today, that is what noise here is in Liverpool.
"We are trying to strengthen the squad and not trying to weaken it. But yeah, 48-72 hours to go, let us see where the window ends up."
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