Liverpool set to sign Ezequiel Garay on free transfer with Klopp also looking to land Real Madrid defender Eder Militao

LIVERPOOL are reportedly set to sign free agent Ezequiel Garay and are also interested in landing Real Madrid defender Eder Militao.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is desperate for defensive reinforcements after an Anfield injury crisis left Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez as long-term absentees with serious knee problems.

Reuters

Former Valencia centre-back Ezequiel Garay is a free agent and is close to joining Liverpool[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

Real Madrid defender Eder Militao is on Liverpool’s radar[/caption]

And Todofichajes.com reports Liverpool are ‘one step away’ from finalising a deal for former Valencia centre-back Garay, 34, with Klopp also keen on Brazilian Militao.

Garay has been without a club since leaving Valencia at the end of last season.

Previous reports suggest the Argentine’s agent had made contact with Liverpool chiefs over a potential deal.

Former Real Madrid and Benfica ace Garay would provide immediate experience to the depleted Liverpool backline.

But Militao is seen as a more permanent option in defence with the 22-year-old having struggled to settle at the Bernabeu.

Zinedine Zidane is reportedly not keen on Militao leaving in January as he wants the centre-back up his sleeve in case of any injuries or suspensions in his squad.

Militao only moved to the Spanish capital from Porto in a £45million deal in 2019 but has played just 134 minutes in LaLiga this season.

However, the report states a move away could be given the green light if Madrid sign experienced Bayern Munich star David Alaba.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with the 28-year-old Austrian who is set to leave the Allianz Arena with his contract up in the summer.

Fabinho has often had to play in the heart of defence for Liverpool who top the league despite being blighted by injury.

The reigning champions have had to contend with crucial players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and versatile James Milner all spending time on the sidelines.

However, there has been some good news for Klopp after Milner, Thiago and Xherdan Shaqiri were all back in training ahead of Sunday’s game at home to West Brom.