[ad_pod ]
Burnley have placed a £50million asking price on centre-back James Tarkowski, who has been the subject of a bid from Liverpool, per The Sun.
The Reds are keen to reinforce their backline and made a loan offer for the defender, but Burnley do not intend to allow the 26-year-old to leave.
What's the word?
The Reds have been struggling with a serious defensive injury crisis, with Virgil van Dijk their only fit centre-back.
And the club have reportedly made a shock move to strengthen their defence through a loan bid for Tarkowski.
The report claims that the Reds face an uphill battle to sign a top-class centre-back in this transfer window, with Burnley expecting a fee upwards of £50m for the England international.
Tarkowski has been central to Burnley's survival bid this season, making 18 Premier League appearances, and has seen his stock rise exponentially over the past couple of years.
He has even won two caps for England after catching the eye with his Premier League displays, and has a contract that runs until 2022.
Sensible move
This is hardly a surprising move from Klopp and the Reds, given that they are suddenly short at the back.
With Van Dijk the only fit centre-back, the Reds boss can either promote youth or trust defensive midfielder Fabinho to put in a shift in an unfamiliar position against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.
Tarkowski likely will have been seen as attainable due to Burnley's status and the club's current battle against the drop, but Sean Dyche's men would be foolish to allow him to move on in January.
FFC's James Jones has identified the one thing that could cost Liverpool the title. Find out what it is in the video below...
Alongside Ben Mee, Tarkowski has been integral to the points that Burnley have picked up thus far this term and letting him leave on a short-term deal would be catastrophic for their survival chances.
One can understand Liverpool's motivations, however; he is an experienced Premier League defender and a step up to Anfield would surely tempt him.
Perhaps, then, it comes down to whether Tarkowski will wish to force the issue. Liverpool will have to hope that he does just that.