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This article is part of Football FanCast's In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets...

According to a report from The Independent, Liverpool have an eye on free-agent Dani Alves as a potential option to provide cover for the first-team, as well as to add valuable experience to the dressing room.

The report also states that the Brazilian's wages could prove to be a stumbling block in any potential deal, but there is no denying that there are few players of the same pedigree as Alves - he has won 43 trophies throughout his career.

Liverpool are currently struggling for depth at the back after allowing Alberto Moreno to leave, whilst Nathaniel Clyne also looks set to be unable to provide cover at right-back after damaging his knee ligaments.

As a result, Jurgen Klopp has no senior cover for his two full-backs, so signing Alves would make sense in that respect - it would make even more sense considering Liverpool's long-term plan for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Those inside the Anfield club believe that the 20-year-old  - who notched a staggering 16 assists last term - will evolve from right-back into midfield, a transition which Alves' arrival could help ease for more than one reason.

The obvious reason is that Alves is primarily a right-back himself, so by using the Brazil international - who was named as the best player at this summer's Copa America - in the role, Klopp can give Alexander-Arnold experience in the middle of the park if he wanted to.

Another reason is that Alves can also play literally anywhere in midfield - he is the ultimate utility man. The 36-year-old lined up at defensive midfield, central midfield and centre attacking midfield last term for PSG, meaning that his vast knowledge of the midfield role in general could be of benefit to Alexander-Arnold.

Both players possess excellent technical ability and are just pure, natural footballers which seems as if it would be able to assist them in any role on the pitch - Alves even appeared in goal for PSG last season.

Alves' arrival at Anfield would massively benefit Alexander-Arnold over anybody else at the club, given their similarities as players and the Brazilian's expertise at playing a role that Liverpool's academy is seemingly destined to move into.

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