Liverpool are the latest Premier League side to be credited with an interest in SC Braga centre-back David Carmo and the Brazilian could be the man to solve the defensive crisis at the Merseyside club.

What's the word?

According to Portuguese news outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Reds are reportedly keen on signing the 21-year-old this month, whilst Leicester City and Manchester United have both previously been credited with an interest.

It is also suggested that the Brazilian is 'protected' by a €40 million release clause, although the report suggests that the Merseyside club could negotiate a lower fee, and with Michael Edwards in charge, this definitely seems like a possibility.

Could he solve Liverpool's defensive crisis?

Jurgen Klopp is currently without any of his senior centre-back options at Liverpool, following long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, whilst Joel Matip also picked up an injury recently.

We have seen Fabinho fill in superbly this season, whilst Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips have also performed well when called upon by Klopp, but with the Reds now level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table, it seems clear that these options likely won't be enough for the Merseyside club to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League, in their hopes of retaining the title.

Carmo has made five appearances in the Europa League this season, averaging a solid 6.79 rating whilst his seven appearances in the Liga NOS have resulted in a less impressive 6.54 rating.

Worryingly, he has also picked up six yellow cards and two red cards in all competitions in this campaign, and the last thing Liverpool need is to sign a centre-back only for him to be missing time through suspension.

However, his 6 foot 5 frame could be very helpful for Liverpool in replacing Van Dijk, as they have missed the Dutchman's aerial threat when attacking and defending set-pieces this season.

Carmo is just 21-years-old and clearly wouldn't be attracting interest from these top Premier League sides if they didn't think he had a lot of potential in the future, so perhaps Liverpool should bite the bullet and sign him during this month's transfer window.

Whilst the Reds have been credited with an interest in Lille centre-back Sven Botman recently, he only joined the French side in the summer so perhaps Carmo is a more realistic option for the Reds to sign in the coming weeks.

And, in other news... Shades of Lovren: Edwards must steer LFC clear of error prone disaster