Liverpool are considering a major strengthening of their defence, with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Barcelona’s Jules Kounde reportedly identified as potential targets.

Insider Ekrem Konur reported on social media that the club’s sporting hierarchy had drawn up a shortlist of defenders while assessing options for the upcoming transfer windows.

The Premier League side is expected to make significant efforts to improve its defensive line, although no indication has been given that a deal for any of the four players is imminent.

Schlotterbeck, Bastoni, Murillo and Kounde are the names currently included among Liverpool’s possible recruits as the club considers how to strengthen its squad.

After eight rounds of the English championship, Andoni Iraola’s side has collected 15 points and sits fourth in the table.