In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United footballer Steve Howey has been discussing the lack of centre-back options at Liverpool.

The Reds are currently without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez due to long-term injuries, with Fabinho having filled in at centre-back for much of the season.

Whilst Joel Matip made his return from injury in the defeat against Burnley on earlier this week, the Cameroonian international has been terribly injury-prone throughout his time in the Premier League, so it would be something of a surprise if he was to stay fit for the rest of the season.

When asked about potential options for Jurgen Klopp's side in the January transfer window, Howey suggested Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk as someone who could help to fill a gap at the Merseyside club.

<span style="font-size: 16px;">Here's what Howey said about Dunk when speaking exclusively to Football FanCast...</span>

"Jurgen Klopp says he's not 100% sure whether he's going to go in [to the transfer window]. I've always liked the lad Dunk at Brighton. I think he's decent, he's got good distribution, he's a big lad. He's a unit.

"I've always liked the two centre-halves at Brighton to be quite honest."

 

Dunk has been with Brighton throughout their time in League One and the Championship and has established himself as a solid centre-back with the Seagulls in the top-flight.

In total, the 29-year-old has made 324 appearances for Brighton, in which he has contributed 21 goals and 14 assists.

In that time, he has seen his value soar, and he is now valued at £24.3 million by Transfermarkt, suggesting that any move to Liverpool would presumably not come cheap, especially as he is contracted until 2025.

He is also captain of Graham Potter's side, and they would therefore not be keen to let him go mid-season, especially when they are in a relegation battle.

Therefore, whilst the six foot four Dunk might have been a good short-term option for Liverpool this season, evidenced by his solid performances in the top-flight in recent seasons, he would not be a cheap solution for Klopp in the January window, so it would arguably be a surprise if Liverpool did bid for the Englishman.

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