Media reports claim that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Malick Thiaw, who currently plays as a defender for Newcastle. The move is still in the early stages, but interest appears to be growing. While Man Utd and Chelsea have shown interest, Liverpool currently lead the race - though the situation could evolve if a deal drags on. Defensively, Liverpool are sitting around the league average this season, at 1.35 goals conceded per game. Someone like Malick Thiaw could keep them steady but also raise the level when it matters most. Newcastle have also been linked with Julian Ryerson, Omari Hutchinson and Lorenzo Pellegrini while Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Ousmane Dembele, Allan Andrade Elias and Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos. More on this story as it develops. Need more Liverpool transfer rumours? Follow @PlayerSwitchCom on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news from Liverpool.