Liverpool 'quoted £50m for Burnley defender James Tarkowski'

Burnley have reportedly told Liverpool that it will cost £50m to sign James Tarkowski this month.

Liverpool are understood to be considering January additions in defence after being left short of options at the back following Dejan Lovren's injury during the FA Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.

Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are also currently sidelined for the table-toppers, leaving Virgil van Dijk as the club's only fit senior centre-back at the moment.

Jurgen Klopp has repeatedly played down the possibility of entering the transfer market this season despite the possibility of his side's title charge being derailed by injury issues, but the Reds have recently been linked with a loan deal for Tarkowski.

However, The Mirror reports that Burnley have now put a £50m price tag on the England international's head in an attempt to ward off any interest.

Liverpool are not expected to meet that asking price this month and could instead use Fabinho as a makeshift centre-back until one of their other options returns to fitness.