Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae after the injury to Virgil van Dijk.

The Lowdown: Van Dijk setback

The Dutchman was substituted at half-time in the 3-1 defeat at Brentford in the Premier League on Monday after sustaining a hamstring injury in the first half.

It has since been revealed that the injury is worse than first feared, meaning that the 31-year-old is set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Latest: Kim interest

As per Italian news outlet Il Mattino, Liverpool are now eyeing a move for Kim, and their interest is 'likely to become more concrete' given the injury to Van Dijk.

However, the Reds may face competition from bitter rivals Manchester United for his signature.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

There is no doubt that losing Van Dijk is a big blow to Jurgen Klopp's side, as he ranks as their best-performing centre-back in the Premier League so far this season. Therefore, they should seriously consider getting in a solid defender in Kim to help cover for the Netherlands international's absence.

Nicknamed 'the Monster' due to his 6 foot 3 frame, the 26-year-old has the ability to dominate in aerial situations, ranking in the 88th percentile for aerial duels won per game in Europe's top five leagues out of his positional peers over the past year, and he has already scored two goals as a centre-back this term.

Liverpool found Kim a tough opponent when Napoli beat them 4-1 in the Champions League group stage earlier in the campaign, as the South Korea international won all four of his individual duels and made six clearances, three tackles and two interceptions throughout the match (SofaScore).

He could be a perfect replacement for Van Dijk at Anfield until the 31-year-old comes back from injury.