Gomez is one of the most likeable characters in the squad, a leader in the dressing room and the-serving player at the club, and he is held in the highest regard by all his team-mates. But fair play to him, his physical state is not one to be about - even if he absolutely deserves to be kept on the basis of his all-round ability.

Two other players present problems. Konate is in fine fettle but season was the first in which he had a genuinely pleasing injury record - what if that continues to be the case?

Bigger concerns are that he is yet to put pen paper on a new contract, with his current deal set to expire the following summer, and Real Madrid are considering him.

Virgil van Dijk is the best-back in the world but he is 34 and will not be around forever. What if the captain suffers a season-ending injury the day after the transfer window slams?

And if a crisis does occur, Amarachi Nalo and Viljami Laki are perhaps the top two in the academy, but neither of them went the pre-season tour, which perhaps suggests that Klopp does not feel they are ready to enter the first team.

All of which leads us to the conclusion that Liverpool to sign a centre-back.

And Richard Hughes, the sporting director, knows that - they are actively looking to strengthen in this area. Nothing is close as things stand but with the Gomez injury focusing minds, next week could see some movement.

Liverpool have been monitoring Marc Guehi, but the Mail on Sunday can reveal that main criteria for this position is to be young, good on the ball, to learn from Van Dijk and ultimately be the long-term replacement for the Dutchman.

iverpool considered a move for Yoro last year, but the young Frenchman chose United. Twelve months on, Liverpool are interested in Wijsen, who has since moved Bournemouth to Real Madrid. Both players would be wanted by Liverpool.

Now, while this deal is in deadlock, it is not entirely impossible. Palace want a's ransom for their 24-year-old captain and Liverpool are not willing to pay it. But if the FA Cup winners were to budge, Hughes might sniff opportunity and ultimately land the England international.

That, though, is how Liverpool work: opportunistically. Isaac is a golden opportunity and, if it is feasible, it must be sniffed at.

If he is actually on the market - and that depends on Newcastle's stance - then Isaac is the ideal No 9. He would make the most difficult team in Europe to beat.

But if it is one or the other - perhaps it is not - then a No 9 above Isaac or Ekitike not be the wisest choice. They can have all the front-line players they like, but they will not win the Premier League without a solid defensive base