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Liverpool news: Barcelona set to make shock Dejan Lovren move as injury crisis worsens
BARCELONA could make a shock move for Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren in January to ease their ever-growing injury crisis, according to reports in Spain.
The La Liga giants have lost France defender Samuel Umtiti to injury until the beginning of the new year at the very least.
Fellow centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is also out for six weeks after suffering a thigh strain while away on in terminational duty with Belgium.
That leaves them with just two fit centre-halves - Gerard Pique and summer signing Clement Lenglet.
And Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo claim Liverpool defender Lovren is on a shortlist of potential players they could bring in to help them.
The Croatian has made just two Premier league appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side so far this season.
Lovren has fallen behind Joe Gomez in the pecking order, while Virgil van Dijk remains the main man at the heart of defence.
Barca have previous when it comes to raiding Anfield in January, having signed Philippe Coutinho in the last winter window.
That was despite Klopp’’s reluctance to sell his star man.
And, as well as being interested in Lovren, reports claim they will look to test the German’s resilience again with a further bid for Roberto Firmino.
It is said they will deploy similar tactics to the ones used when bringing Coutinho to Spain.
The Brazilian was clearly unsettled last season when Barca’s interest became apparent.
Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda insists Firmino is one of their top targets but does not believe a deal will be done until the summer.
"It's about Firmino, Liverpool player,” he said when asked about Barcelona’s transfer plans.
"I already said that Luis Suarez is seen increasingly stubborn and they are considering doing the same operation as Coutinho.
“But I guess at the end of the season, not halfway through.”