CARDIFF, WALES - Sunday, November 3, 2013: Cardiff City's captain Steven Caulker in action against Swansea City during the Premiership match at the Cardiff City Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Reports: Liverpool to sign Steven Caulker on loan

Liverpool are to looking to sign QPR defender Steven Caulker – who is currently on a season loan to Southampton.

CARDIFF, WALES - Sunday, November 3, 2013: Cardiff City's captain Steven Caulker in action against Swansea City during the Premiership match at the Cardiff City Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The former Cardiff City captain, 24, was often linked with a move to Anfield during Brendan Rodgers’ time in charge – with the former Liverpool manager having worked with the English defender during a loan spell at Swansea.

Reports earlier this month indicated that current boss Jurgen Klopp was keen to add an experienced defender to his ranks after the series of injuries to his centre-backs this month, with Borussia Dortmund’s Neven Subotic reportedly his first choice.

But Dortmund appear to have refused a move for Subotic and now Liverpool have turned to Caulker – who has had little playing time at Southampton this season and therefore Liverpool hope his temporary deal at the south coast club can be cut short in order to allow a move to Merseyside for the rest of the season.

The news is reported by, among others, Paul Joyce of the Express – a very reliable source for Liverpool information.

Caulker joined Southampton on a season loan last summer following QPR’s relegation, but has started just one league game for Ronald Koeman’s side this season.

The experienced centre-back, who began his career at Tottenham, has not played for Southampton since they were beaten 6-1 by Liverpool in the League Cup quarter-final.

Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure should be back available for the home match against Arsenal on Wednesday, while Dejan Lovren could return for the FA Cup replay against Exeter next week. Martin Skrtel faces another few weeks out.

With Europa League commitments to restart next month, Klopp clearly wants more defensive cover and Caulker is available and Premier League experienced at least.

Liverpool would be his eighth club of his career so far.

UPDATE: Liverpool are attempting to push through the move today (Tuesday) so that Caulker can be registered in time to face Arsenal tomorrow night at Anfield. He could train with the Reds this afternoon.

OPINION: 3 January Transfer Window Priorities for Jurgen Klopp