Liverpool identify Spanish defender to replace Dejan Lovren

Liverpool have earmarked Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera as a potential replacement for Dejan Lovren during this summer's transfer window.

Lovren has been one of the Reds' longest-serving players but his future with the club remains uncertain with his contract expiring in 14 months' time.

According to Liverpool Echo, Lovren is currently attracting interest from AS Roma and there is the possibility of the Croatian joining the Serie A outfit at the end of the season.

Suppose Lovren leave, the Reds will want a replacement and it is reported that Cabrera could be an option to fill the potential void in the central defensive department.

The 28-year-old only made the switch to Espanyol from Getafe at the beginning of the year but he could make way from the Spanish side, who are six points adrift of safety in La Liga.

Cabrera could be available for a fee of around £13.3m. That should be affordable for the Reds, who are said to be reluctant to spend on any high-profile players under the current financial climate.

The Reds currently have Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez as the regular starters at the heart of the backline with Joel Matip and Lovren providing the back-up.