Liverpool closing in on completing sensational transfer | OneFootball

It's not just at first-team level where Liverpool are missing centre-back depth. Both the U18s and the U21s have struggled with that as well.

The U18s have had to convert a forward/winger in Prince Kobe Cisse to become a centre-back earlier in the summer. It's a role Cisse has taken to well but his transition highlights the club's problem in the department.

Hughes is now working to sort this out, and Liverpool's first signing of the January window is now close to being completed.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Dara Jikiemi from Celtic.

The report claims that everything is heading in the right direction for Jikiemi to join the club and follow in the footsteps of Ben Doak, who had previously joined the Reds from Celtic.

This would be a sensational signing for Liverpool. Jikiemi is an extremely talented defender. He's only 15-years-old, so it's likely he will be joining the club's U18 side to begin with but he could be a massive player for the future.

The youngster captains Scotland at youth level and he's regarded as one of the best centre-backs to have emerged from the country in recent years.

Already very tall and strong for his age, he's composed on the ball and he oozes confidence. Earlier this year, he scored a penalty for Scotland against Spain's U15 side, showing calm and poise beyond his years, and especially for someone playing as a centre-back.

It's the kind of investment Liverpool have made year after year. They are known for making moves for sensationally talented young players.

Ngumoha was probably the last one that the Reds got over the line last year. Now it's Jikiemi and he's someone to keep a close eye on.