Liverpool make offer for experienced Barcelona defender to replace Mamadou Sakho

Jurgen Klopp has a spot to fill at centre-half next season.

The German coach is likely to be without the services of Mamadou Sakho for at least six months after he failed a drug test last month. Klopp has no faith or trust in Martin Skrtel, which means the club is likely to be looking for a new defensive partner for Dejan Lovren. The Reds won't want to shell out massive cash on a short-term replacement, as they do expect Sakho to play some role in next season's campaign. Joel Matip will arrive at Anfield this summer from Schalke but his lack of Premier League experience could allow the club to snatch up a defender with just that from the Nou Camp. Spanish newspaper Sport claims that the Reds have been in touch with Barcelona about taking one of their unwanted centre-halves off their hands. Thomas Vermaelen signed for the Catalan giants in 2014, but failed to make any impression at the club due to a succession of injuries. The urban legend that he managed to get a Champions League medal and then had to hand it back last season turned out to be sadly false, but he is still out of favour under Luis Enrique. The 30-year-old would cost around £8million, and the former Arsenal captain is understood to be keen on a move back to the Premier League. Vermaelen is also a left-sided defender, and would slot in perfectly as Sakho's replacement but Liverpool are set to face at least one other club in competition for the Belgian. Although Liverpool fans may want to heed this warning about the centre-half. https://twitter.com/_The12thMan/status/723937804321955840 Having said that, if he can bless us with more social media gold like this, he's welcome back. https://twitter.com/thomasvermaelen/status/682697206705614848