Liverpool look to have left their transfer business in the January window to the last minute, as the Reds close in on a deal for Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet - and Jamie Carragher has urged Arne Slot to get a move on
Jamie Carragher speaks into a microphone
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool need reinforcements in defence now(Image: PA)
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Jamie Carragher has urged Arne Slot to address Liverpool's issues in the heart of defence as the January transfer window comes to a close. The Reds have agreed a verbal agreement on a £55million deal for Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet ahead of Monday's 7pm deadline.
However, it is understood that the centre-half will not make his way to Anfield until the summer in a worrying turn of events for Liverpool fans. Slot's squad is looking increasingly light across the backline, with Joe Gomez serving as the club's only real backup to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
While the Reds secured Giovanni Leoni from Parma over the summer, the 19-year-old is out for the rest of the season as a result of an ACL injury sustained on his debut in September. Meanwhile, Liverpool's deadline day approach for Marc Guehi the same month collapsed at the 11th hour, with the former Crystal Palace skipper joining Manchester City this month as the club were touted to reignite their interest.
And while Carragher has welcomed a potential signing of Jacquet, he has urged Slot to scour the market for instant support with regards to their defence. Speaking on Sky Sports, the club legend said: "Pleased that they've made a signing in that area.
"Liverpool need reinforcements in that area right now, but they definitely need it in the summer. It looks as though Konate is going to move on - he's still not signed a contract yet.
"I think they're getting young centre-backs for the future. Unfortunately, Leoni - who they signed last summer - has got an ACL injury so we won't see him, as well. I would still like to see Liverpool sign another defender today, because I think they will need one before the end of the season."
Asked whether the delayed deal is frustrating given Liverpool's current injury issues, Carragher added: "Yes. But when the deal has been done with Rennes, that may have been part of the deal over the line.
Jeremy Jacquet runs
Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement for Jeremy Jacquet(Image: Getty Images)
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"It's not going to disrupt their season in France, now, so I can understand it as it's their player - so they have to play by their rules. Liverpool have paid top money. The future bodes well at centre-back, but they have pressing problems right now they need to fix."
It comes as Liverpool have seemingly pipped Chelsea to the post for Jacquet, considering the Blues have been linked with the 20-year-old for the majority of the window. As a result, Liam Rosenior has recalled Mamadou Sarr from his loan with Strasbourg, and are set to retain Josh Acheampong.
And Julien Laurens believes that Liverpool have snapped up "the real deal," with their agreement for Jacquet. He said: "I know he's only 20, he hasn't played for France and he hasn't played in the Champions League or Europa League.
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"He has a long way to go but he's been impressive last season, after they [Rennes] called him back from his loan in the second division, and this season, with Habib Beye. You can't get it wrong. He is going to be amazing.
"He reminds me of when William Saliba burst onto the scene in France with Saint-Etienne, or Wesley Fofana. It's about how much you value that potential and talent. You would pay a lot of money for someone who hasn't really proved much. It's a lot of money for such a young player."
Should Liverpool heed Carragher's advice in signing another centre-half for the second-half of the season, they have until just 7pm on Monday to do so.
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