Newcastle United fans have reacted with amazement to the news that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Daryl Janmaat.
The former Magpies defender is available on a free transfer after leaving Watford in the summer but, at the age of 31, would very much be a short-term option for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp's side are struggling with a defensive injury crisis that has seen centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both ruled out for substantial periods of the season with knee injuries.
Yet Magpies fans are stunned that the Premier League champions may turn to Janmaat.
Janmaat departed Newcastle under a cloud when the Magpies dropped into the Championship in 2016.
The Dutch full-back moved to St James's Park from Feyenoord in 2014, signing a six-year deal.
He initially looked a solid defensive option, winning the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust player of the year award for the 2014/15 season.
Yet his performances dropped the following season and was infamously involved in a confrontation with Magpies fans during their relegation battle - also missing four matches due to two broken fingers after punching a wall in frustration at being substituted in the first half of a 3-1 loss at Southampton.
Despite his poor recent injury record himself, Liverpool fans appear open-minded about the rumours.
Whilst Janmaat is primarily known as a right-back, he also has the ability to play in the centre of defence, which is said to have led to Liverpool's interest.
With right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also on the sidelines with a calf injury, Janmaat can provide defensive cover in more than one area.
Liverpool's Gini Wijnaldum played alongside Janmaat for the Magpies and in the Dutch national team and Teamtalk report that the midfielder has given his former teammate a glowing reference to Anfield bosses.
Janmaat is fully fit after recovering from a knee injury and is said to be keen to be given the chance to prove himself at Anfield.
He is also said to be open to the prospect of a short-term deal, which would be until the end of the season at most.
It is not the first time he has been linked to Liverpool, with Brendan Rodgers previously keen to take him to Anfield in 2015 when he was starring at Newcastle.
