Liverpool have shock name on shortlist to replace Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool could be braced for a surprise addition.

The moment is inevitable. As soon as the January transfer window commences, Liverpool will be ready to pounce. They are already lurking in the shadows, sussing out their next targets and assessing their options.

A move for a top class centre back is imminent.

And extremely necessary too.

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Without Virgil Van Dijk, the Reds are devoid of a crucial presence at the back. Now with Joel Matip, Fabinho and Joe Gomez all prone to injuries it doesn’t make the club’s options too promising.

Jurgen Klopp needs a steady figure. Someone who can be relied upon. Someone who is relatively proven but has potential too.

Someone the German can mould into an elite player. Just like he has done with many of the club’s current stars.

And according to 90min.com, the Reds are considering making a move for an unlikely candidate in Mykola Matviyenko of Shakhtar Donetsk in the January transfer window.

Mykola Matviyenko is not an established name in world football, but he has previously been linked with moves to Arsenal and West Ham.

A calm and composed presence at the back Mykola Matviyenko is renowned for his ball playing ability and the innate desire to instigate attacks. A tough and no nonsense defender, Mykola Matviyenko perhaps represents something the Reds have lacked in recent years. Especially without Eastern European stalwarts like Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren.

What’s really impressive about Mykola Matviyenko is just how assured and confident he is at the back. He doesn’t like to over commit or make rush challenges. Mykola Matviyenko is adept at biding his time and reading the game astutely.

Mykola Matviyenko will soon be put to the test in a tough Champions League group after missing out on the previous fixtures due being infected with the virus. That will give the club’s scouts an opportunity to fully assess his ability and to see just where the Ukrainian defender is at.

It would be a surprise move, but not many people had heard of Nemanja Vidic’s name prior to his arrival in the Premier League.

One thing is for absolute certainty, the Reds will take anyone they could get, and at least with Mykola Matviyenko they might be able to negotiate a bargain price.

Would you like to see Liverpool make a move for Mykola Matviyenko?