Liverpool manager Arne Slot (Picture: Getty) Mark Lawrenson has urged Liverpool to target defensive reinforcements in the final days of the transfer window after their porous start to the season. Rio Ngumoha’s last-minute winner against Newcastle United saw Liverpool make it two wins from two in the Premier League so far this season. But it’s fair to say it hasn’t been an entirely convincing start to the season from the defending champions despite their heavy summer spending. Arne Slot’s side conceded twice in both of their opening games, most notably against Newcastle after Eddie Howe’s side were reduced to ten men. Despite concerns over their defence, the Reds still appear to be focused on attacking reinforcements and are still said to be keen on a record-breaking deal for Alexander Isak. However, Lawrenson believes his former side should instead focus their attention on providing Virgil van Dijk with a more reliable centre-back partner after Ibrahima Konate’s shaky start to the season. The Frenchman, who arrived for £36million from RB Leipzig in 2021, has looked less assured in Slot’s more attacking-heavy system this season, and with few other replacements available, Lawrenson reckons Liverpool should dip back into the market. Ibrahima Konate jas struggled so far this season (Picture: Getty) ‘Yeah I was concerned [about the defense], but I think everybody is at the moment,’ Lawrenson told talkSPORT. ‘Van Dijk needs another partner doesn’t he? Because the French boy (Konate) is all over the place, he’s making all sorts of mistakes. ‘But don’t forget they’ve got different players playing at the back right now so it’s not particularly good but it will get better – it’s the way Liverpool are. Liverpool have been linked with a move for Marc Guehi (Picture: Getty) ‘And there is still a chance that if they need to sign somebody then the transfer market is still open.’ Liverpool have held talks with Crystal Palace about a move for captain Marc Guehi, but both clubs still appear apart in their valuation of the England international, who has one year left on his deal at Selhurst Park. Asked about the potential of signing Guehi, Lawrenson said: ‘We all thought about a week ago that was happening, but I think Palace are staying that he has to stay. ‘But money changes things and the transfer window doesn’t close until next Monday and I’m sure there are going to be loads of deals done before that.’ Speaking before Palace’s Conference League playoff second leg with Frederikstad, manager Oliver Glasner made crystal clear his stance on the possibility of Guehi following Eberechi Eze out of the door before the deadline. ‘I just know if Marc leaves and is not available for Frederikstad, we will have big troubles,’ he said. ‘That’s pretty clear. We can’t register anyone. So from my side, he has to stay.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.