Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson thinks the Reds need to prioritize signing cover for Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window.

The Dutch defender has been in impervious form this season, helping Arne Slot's side to the summit of the Premier League at the turn of the year. As things stand, Liverpool sit six points clear of second placed Arsenal with a game in hand on the Gunners.

And part of the reason the Reds are six points clear at the top of the Premier League table is down to their strong defence, which is the joint best in the division alongside the Gunners. While Mohamed Salah has garnered the majority of the headlines this season for his performances on the pitch, Van Dijk looks to be at the peak of his powers right now.

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However, the 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season. While Liverpool has offered their skipper a new deal, he is yet to put pen to paper.

With Liverpool also having seen Ibrahima Konate, who is now back in training, and Joe Gomez, who is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, sidelined over recent weeks, it raises questions about whether or not the Reds should proactively seek to add another defender in the January transfer window.

And Lawrenson believes Liverpool should do so, in an effort to provide cover for Van Dijk should he get injured. Speaking to Paddy Power, Lawrenson said: "I think Liverpool need to sign another centre-back, just to make sure in case of any injuries. Other than that, they won’t pay over the odds for anyone. They could also lose Trent Alexander-Arnold if Real Madrid come back with a higher offer in January. They just need a centre-back to cover for Virgil van Dijk.

"Everyone knows that Real Madrid have bid for Trent already, and I think they’ll come back for another bid. We’ll see whether Liverpool stick or twist and decide to sell him now, rather than lose him in the summer for nothing."

Liverpool.com says: "It's hard to disagree with Lawrenson on this, especially with the Reds now set to be without Gomez for the next few weeks. With Konate now back in training, it means the Reds have three fit center-backs in Van Dijk, Konate and Quansah. While they might stay fit for the remainder of the season, Liverpool shouldn't just leave that up to chance. If there is a center-back they like for the right money, they should absolutely pull the trigger on signing them, adding depth to Slot's squad, whilst also bringing in a potential player who could help serve as Van Dijk's replacement further down the road."