Liverpool want James Tarkowski on loan but Burnley demand £50m

Liverpool have launched an audacious bid to alleviate their defensive crisis by signing James Tarkowski on loan.

However, Burnley have slapped a £50 million price tag on the two-time England player, according to the Sun.

Jurgen Klopp is in need of defensive reinforcements after Dejan Lovren suffered a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Wolves on Monday night.

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The Croat joined Joe Gomez and Joel Matip on the sidelines, as Klopp also revealed Virgil Van Dijk is also suffering from a mystery illness.

Klopp gave an update on Gomez and Matip’s injuries ahead of the game against Wolves: “Joe is getting better, it’s getting better, but he’s not yet involved.

“Joel is maybe a bit closer. We have to see how the bone healing is, that’s always how it is when something has broken, but from his movements it looks nearly normal.

“But there are still a few days to go until we can have them in team training, until [Joel] is ready for contact, which for a centre half is pretty important.”

To alleviate the pressure on his backline, the Liverpool manager has reportedly turned his attention to signing Tarkwoski on a short-term deal.

However, signing quality players on loan is a tough ask but Burnley could be tempted into a sale if the price was right.

With so many central defenders out injured, Klopp had to turn to 16-year-old Ki-Jana Hoever to partner Fabinho in the heart of defence against Wolves.

The teenager impressed on his debut but a Premier League match against Brighton may be a step too far in his development this early in his career.