Newcastle United are being linked with a series of centre-backs from across Europe at the moment, with Sven Botman reportedly ranking as Eddie Howe's top target.
Reports suggest that Lille are unwilling to sell Botman, which will force Newcastle United to focus their efforts on acquiring an alternative target before the end of the January window.
So who could the Magpies target? Here is a look at four alternative options.
Nat Phillips (Liverpool)
Nat Phillips emerged as the unlikely hero of Liverpool's season last year. Jurgen Klopp suffered from an injury crisis in the heart of his defence and before too long, he began to lean on the shoulders of Phillips at the back.
Klopp initially proved to be reluctant to use Phillips by instead fielding midfielders such as Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in his defence, but results deteriorated. The form of the Reds did not begin to improve until Phillips was deployed as a key presence.
Still just 24 years-old, Phillips is English and qualifies as homegrown. He's around 6-foot-3 and impressive in the air, but he's also capable of punching progressive passes through the lines into his midfield teammates.
Phillips isn't the quickest, but the same can be said for Botman and providing Howe doesn't expose him with a high defensive line, it shouldn't become overly problematic. With Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez ahead of him in the Anfield pecking order, Phillips is available and for a reasonable price.
Pau Torres (Villarreal)
Pau Torres would represent more of a daring target for United, especially considering that he's a player who has been tracked by the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal in recent years.
A full Spanish international, Torres is now 25 years old and he seems to be improving with every passing year. He was part of the Villarreal team that won the Europa League ahead of Manchester United last season.
There is a reason behind the widespread interest in Torres. He's consistent, always available and his comfort when in possession of the ball is typically Spanish. His distribution from the back ranks amongst the best in Europe.
Moreover, Torres is left-footed which seems to be a trait that Howe desires. Botman is left-footed and Benoit Badiashile - who is also said to place on the club's shortlist - also prefers his left foot.
He will have two years left on his deal this summer, which suggests that he could be attainable for the right price.
James Tarkowski (Burnley)
The Toon have already weakened Burnley's hand during the winter window, having picked up their main striker by paying his £25m release clause earlier in the month. They could go one step further by acquiring the services of James Tarkowski.
A seasoned Premier League centre-back who is now 29 years -old, Tarkowski is English, homegrown and he's accustomed to surviving relegation battles at the bottom of England's top-flight.
The Clarets defender is aggressive and reliable, and he's also capable when in possession. He's struggled to showcase his passing potential at Turf Moor due to the stylistic nature of his team under Sean Dyche, but distribution is an underrated quality attached to Tarkowski's game.
Crucially, his contract is due to expire at the end of the current season. If Burnley don't cash in, they risk losing him for free in six months.
Duje Caleta-Car (Marseille)
Duje Caleta-Car is a strong centre-back who Liverpool attempted to purchase in the last January window as a means of solving their injury crisis at the time.
A bid was unsuccessful as Marseille were not presented with enough time to find a replacement, but the Croatian remains in Ligue 1 and he's still just 25 years old.
Caleta-Car is physical and aggressive in the air. In fact, he posted the second-best aerial success rate in Ligue 1 last season, winning 87 of his 112 duels in the air.
As well as proving to be solid in defence, he's also capable with the ball at his feet, meaning that Caleta-Car has the skills to cope with a relegation fight in England while also having the qualities to play in a more expansive manner further down the line.
With a contract which is due to expire in 18 months once January arrives, United could snap him up for a reasonable price in the coming months.
