According to a French news outlet, Liverpool are set to make an offer for Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak.

Kabak on Klopp's radar

The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks, with Sport Media Set claiming that the Turkey international will be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman is currently out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury following a robust tackle from Everton's Jordan Pickford during the Reds' 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby last weekend.

Kabak has been a regular for the Bundesliga outfit since his move from Stuttgart after picking up the 2018/19 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award (via Schalke's official website), scoring three times and providing one assist from 30 outings (TransferMarkt).

However, after he was caught spitting at Werder Bremen's Lugwig Augustinsson last month, he was found guilty of unsporting behaviour and suspended for four matches (via AA), which could be a concern to some of the Kop faithful.

Nevertheless, Liverpool are pressing on and RMC Sport (cited by Chris Williams) reported that the Reds will table a substantial offer for Kabak and would like a deal to be sealed before the January transfer window opens, with Schalke looking for between €30m and €40m (£27.28m and £36.37m).

Possible bad egg

Kabak seems a massively talented defender and the Bundesliga are unlikely to hand out individual accolades frivolously. That being said, his discipline and temperament must come into question after his recent actions, despite maintaining his innocence after the DFB's ruling.

With Van Dijk expected to be out for a significant amount of time, though, Liverpool must move quickly to find the defensive cover they need to sufficiently challenge and defend their Premier League crown.

With Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig also believed to be an Anfield target, Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards have a huge decision on their hands which could make or break the Reds' season.

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