Liverpool interested in Argentine’s defender Gabriel Mercado

Jurgen Klopp is reported to be considering a move for Gabriel Mercado after it was claimed the Liverpool manager travelled to San Francisco to watch the player in Copa America action for Argentina this week.

The Reds boss has made secret of his wish to strengthen his defence this summer and the full-back could be on Klopp’s wanted list.

And Mercado’s versatility will certainly appeal to the German. Mercado, who plays for River Plate, is a right-back by trade but can also play in central defence or the right side of midfield.

Sources say Klopp was in the crowd when Mercado – who started his career with Racing Club before joining Estudiantes and then River Plate – played for his country in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Chile at the Levi’s Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite being 29-year-old, it is thought River Plate would want around £6million for the full-back – and that is unlikely to dissuade Klopp from making a move.

The Reds have already released Kolo Toure, while long-serving defender Martin Skrtel looks likely to be on his way out too after falling down the pecking order at Anfield.

Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell is also thought to be on Klopp’s wanted list, while we exclusively revealed earlier this week that the club had held talks with Leeds’ Charlie Taylor