Liverpool Could Make Late Move for In-Demand Porto Defender

On the surface, it would appear that Jürgen Klopp has lost out on his man to replace the out-of-favor Mamadou Sakho, as versatile defender, Bruno Martins Indi has reportedly landed in Staffordshire to seal a move to the Potters instead. The deal could potentially set off a series of moves as Liverpool and Everton have both looked to the Netherlands international to bolster their defenses in recent weeks.

O Jogo reports that the Dutch center back has been deemed surplus to requirements at his current club, Porto, which has subsequently seen him crop in the rumour mill up several times in connection with the Merseyside clubs, particularly as Klopp’s ideal replacement for Sakho. The Liverpool fan favorite has suffered an almost farcical run of bad luck in the form of phony suspensions, injuries and even alleged confrontations with the boss himself to the point that reliable sources have virtually mooted an effort to turf the Frenchman out on a loan deal.

Martins Indi on the other hand, has made 71 appearances for the Portuguese club following a €7.7m move from Feyenoord in 2014, while earning 31 caps for country and forging a reputation as “the next Jaap Stam.”

As Everton manager Ronald Koeman has pursued the 24 year-old to try replace the £50m departure of John Stones, it is thought that Liverpool still have a chance to steal a march on both their Merseyside rivals and Stoke City with a last minute bid.

Klopp might actually be able to promise Martins Indi more playing time than he would find on Mark Hughes’ suddenly-technical squad—since the defender would otherwise have to compete with Marc Muniesa and Geoff Cameron for a spot alongside mainstay Ryan Shawcross—as well as a better chance at European football than the Toffees could offer.

Either way, it looks to be a wild ride to August 31st.