Liverpool could make a move for Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar following the injury sustained by Virgil van Dijk, Graeme Bailey has suggested.

What's the word?

Van Dijk picked up an injury in Liverpool's defeat to Brentford, and is expected to be out for around a month.

With Liverpool struggling for form, and a lot of senior players struggling for fitness, the Dutchman's injury is going to leave a big quality and leadership void in the team.

Jurgen Klopp could turn to the transfer market to reinforce his defence as a result of the injury, and Bailey has claimed that the club are interested in Skriniar, a player who has been described as a "gladiator".

Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Bailey stated that a number of clubs, including Liverpool, are interested in the centre-back.

"The entire top six in England, plus Newcastle, the top seven are all interested in Milan Skriniar, who many people regardless the best half in Europe," he stated.

"He's 27 now. The most interesting about Milan Skriniar is that he's out of contract at the end of the season. He still hasn't signed this contract which Inter Milan was suggesting was done in October.

"He's back on PSG's radar, Liverpool's as well. We understand sources have inquired about what a January deal would look like. The Premier League clubs are now taken seriously. They believe that Skriniar is attainable."

Looking ahead

Although it is easy to look at the Liverpool squad and point out that they have Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez capable of playing at centre-back, signing Skriniar, who has been hailed as "one of the best", will be a proactive signing for the long and short term.

In the immediate future, he can come in as an experienced, high-level defender whilst Van Dijk is absent, and in the long run, compete with the others for a starting position.

Liverpool's lack of depth across the pitch has been a problem, and with Gomez struggling for form and Matip often injured, a top-quality addition in that area could be a vital one.