Liverpool identify Joel Matip's replacement: Reds interested in signing £30m-rated Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg following devastating injury blow

Matip, whose contract ends this summer, suffered an ACL rupture against Fulham, which is likely to rule him out for the rest of the campaign. The unexpected development has forced Jurgen Klopp to expedite his plans for a replacement and is eyeing Lacroix, along with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, according to The Sun.

Lacroix joined Wolfsburg from Sochaux in 2020 and has 18 months left on his deal which could see the Bundesliga club seek £30 million for the 6ft 3in defender. The 23-year-old is known for his speed and versatility as he can play on both sides of central defence and as a right-back as well.

Guehi is another option but Crystal Palace are willing to entertain offers of only £50 million and above as they remain desperate to hold on to him at least until the end of the current campaign.

Whereas, Lacroix's potential arrival would provide valuable depth to the squad, especially because of his ability to play in several positions in the backline. Despite Wolfsburg's inconsistent Bundesliga form, Lacroix has already secured two clean sheets this season and also boasts of scoring one goal in 15 appearances across all competitions.

With Matip sidelined, Klopp relies on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in central defence, with limited backup options in Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah. The Reds return to action against Crystal Palace on Saturday at Selhurst Park.