Liverpool are battling Borussia Dortmund for Basel defender Manuel Akanji.
Jurgen Klopp has turned his attention to the centre-back in efforts to improve a Reds defence that has come under constant criticism already this season.
The Liverpool manager insisted on Wednesday that new signings may not necessarily be the solution to his side’s well-documented issues.
He also maintains faith with his current options including Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno, who have both been questioned over their performances.
But the Independent claim that Akanji is attracting interest from Anfield, with Klopp’s former side Dortmund also in the hunt for the Switzerland international.
The centre-back, 22, has become one of his country’s top prospects and recently starred in Basel’s win over Manchester United in the Champions League.
However the Swiss club are keen to retain Akanji until this summer, which Liverpool are understood to be willing to allow in their pursuit of the player.
Klopp previously failed to land Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk amid accusations of a tapping-up row which risked Liverpool being reported to the Premier League.