James Pearce, The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent, seems to have dropped a huge hint regarding Liverpool and their transfer plans this month.

Pearce shows Reds' hand?

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Lille defender Sven Botman in recent weeks, in light of their catastrophic injury crisis at the heart of their backline.

Both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez were ruled out for a significant amount of time before the turn of the year with serious knee injuries, and Botman himself kicked off the cryptic Instagram hints this week.

Pearce has now added fuel to the fire, using his Instagram to follow both Botman and his agency, Muy Manero, which could be an indication that Liverpool are indeed in serious talks with the Dutch colossus and Pearce is getting in the loop (via The Anfield Buzz).

Pearce Botman transfer news

This comes after Muy Manero, a Dutch agency who also played a role in Takumi Minamino's move to Anfield, was tagged in a video from Botman, in which the defender was sitting in their offices, posting a red heart and a handshake emoji. The agency themselves then 'liked' multiple posts from fans linking him with the Anfield move (via LFC Transfer Room).

Botman, 20, moved to Lille last summer from Ajax and has featured in every Ligue 1 game so far this season, averaging a match rating of 7.13 per game, winning 3.8 aerial duels and making 2.9 clearances per game (Whoscored).

Transfer Tavern Verdict

This will be an eye-opener for Liverpool fans. After hearing so many conflicting rumours about their January transfer plans, Pearce's activity could suggest a deal is on the cards.

The Reds certainly need to sign a defender, with Joel Matip having been ruled out with an adductor injury after their goalless draw to Newcastle.

If Liverpool want to keep their Premier League title hopes alive, a fresh face in the defence would be a huge development, such is the dire situation Jurgen Klopp has been dealt with injuries.

In other news, Behind the scenes footage containing Klopp star sent many Liverpool fans wild.