Howard Webb, the chief of PGMOL, provides an explanation regarding the referee Michael Oliver’s decision to deny a clear penalty and extends his apologies to all the Liverpool supporters.

Klopp urged to move quickly to sign perfect Van Dijk heir for Liverpool as Leicester make first move over bargain January deal

Sao Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo is a target for Liverpool and Leicester

Sao Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo is a target for Liverpool and Leicester

Brazilian side Sao Paulo are waiting for Liverpool to launch a counter bid to sign their star defender Lucas Beraldo after two other sides joined the hunt for his signature and amid claims Leicester are close to having an offer accepted.

The 20-year-old defender has been watched by Liverpool scouts extensively in recent weeks as the Reds consider an approach for a new defender in the January window. That hunt has intensified in recent weeks following the season ending ACL injury suffered by Joel Matip, that could also spell the end of the experienced defender’s Anfield career.

And while Jurgen Klopp has intimated his side will likely “do the right thing” and extend his stay, the 32-year-old’s current arrangement is due to expire next summer, leading to a pretty uncertain time for the former Schalke man.

However, his long-term absence creates a more immediate concern for Klopp, who now has just Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and the relatively-untested Jarrel Quansah as potential partners for Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence.

And for a side still alive in four competitions, Klopp knows his side are now just one more injury away from seeing their season unravel before his very eyes.

As a result, it’s little surprise to see the signing of a new centre-half being seen as a transfer priority for Klopp. To that end, the Reds have been linked with one of three top-quality options, with the window officially opening for business in just 14 days time.

Of that trio, it is perhaps Beraldo who is seen as the easiest to acquire, given Sao Paulo have made it clear they are unable to stand in the 20-year-old’s way if a sizeable offer lands on their desk.