Catch all the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumors, including updates on potential defenders to replace Virgil van Dijk as he nears the final months of his deal

Liverpool has another huge week ahead, which will test the team's credentials to win silverware and compete in the Premier League at the very top.

With Chelsea up next in the EFL Cup, before taking on Arsenal in the league, it's the type of run that could define a whole season for the Reds, as the players continue to settle into life under Andoni Iraola.

While the short-term could bring about either joy or pain for Liverpool in terms of those two competitions, there is also the long-term planning for the team to consider, especially when it comes to the future of a player like Virgil van Dijk.

So, with that said, here's a look at all the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumors ahead of another busy week of action on Merseyside.

Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)

With Van Dijk now into the final months of his contract with Liverpool, creating uncertainty over his future, there continue to be links surrounding possible replacements.

The latest defender to be rumored with interest from the Reds is Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. The centre-back was previously linked with a switch to Anfield, but it hasn't materialized so far, having stuck around with the Bundesliga outfit as a regular for them and his nation Germany.

However, Football Insider claims that Schlotterbeck remains a top target for Liverpool, even with the recent signing of a new contract. It's unclear just how much the 26-year-old could cost in the market, while there are other options also being considered for the backline.

Liverpool.com says: Schlotterbeck is a player who has experienced what it means to play at the top level, and at just 26, he has plenty of years ahead of him to keep competing there.

A move to Liverpool would make sense, as he could comfortably move into that Van Dijk role, offering the usual defensive capabilities that are desired, while his passing quality takes him up another level.

The main concerns may surround a potential price that Borussia Dortmund demands, as well as the fact that he has suffered some big injuries during his career so far.

Tarik Muharemovic (Leeds United)

Another centre-back target could be Leeds United star Tarik Muharemovic, as TeamTalk claims that the Bosnia and Herzegovina international is attracting interest from the Reds.

The 23-year-old only moved to the Premier League in the summer from Sassuolo, but his early displays in the division have certainly caught the eye.

Liverpool is not alone in that interest, as several top European clubs also seem to be positioning for a move, but Leeds are likely to set a hard stance of no sale in the coming transfer markets.

Liverpool.com says: It's clear exactly why Liverpool is looking at other centre-back options, and going for those who have the best years of their career ahead of them makes sense.

Muharemovic clearly has a big future, with his towering presence already offering plenty to a Leeds team that has made a decent start to the Premier League season.

The lack of interest in a sale may cause some problems, while it remains a small sample size of matches for the centre-back in England to be able to judge his true quality and potential.