Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap in January, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Immediate impact

The 20-year-old only arrived in the Premier League this summer after putting pen to paper on the south coast, but he’s more than impressed during the opening seven games of the season.

He’s recently been rewarded for his performances by earning his first international call-up to represent Germany during the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and this has caught the attention of a potential suitor.

The Latest: Liverpool considering Bella-Kotchap move

According to Spanish media (via Sport Witness), Liverpool ‘closely follow the evolution’ of Bella-Kotchap, and are ‘keeping tabs’ on him ahead of a potential approach.

The source reports that Jurgen Klopp is a personal ‘admirer’ of the centre-back, and views him as a ‘long-term replacement’ for Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds are set to face competition for his services though, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also lurking in the background.

The Verdict: One for the future

Liverpool’s current central defenders aren’t getting any younger, and Bella-Kotchap would be a hugely promising signing that would stand the club in good stead for the future.

The 6 foot 2 ‘diamond’, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has averaged 5.2 clearances and won 3.2 of his aerial duels per game so far this season (WhoScored).

To show this much potential at just 20 is nothing short of remarkable, and if he’s this much of a rock now, just imagine how much more he could develop under the guidance of Klopp at Anfield in years to come.