Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool WILL try to sign a centre back before January window closes

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool will try to sign a centre back before the January transfer window closes on Monday.

Klopp had previously sounded downbeat at the prospect of bolstering his options in defence this month but speaking ahead of the weekend’s trip to West Ham, the Liverpool boss refused to rule out a new arrival.

‘I don’t know. We will try,’ he said. ‘It would be easy to say we don’t try, we don’t care, but we try and there is nothing to say really until anything happens so let’s see.’

Jurgen Klopp confirmed Liverpool are working to sign a centre back before Monday’s deadline

Joel Matip sustained ankle ligament damage during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory at Tottenham

Klopp has been without both first-choice centre backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez since November and has found a lack of depth in that area.

The defensive crisis worsened on Thursday night in the 3-1 win at Tottenham when Klopp confirmed after the game that Joel Matip, the only remaining fit senior centre back, suffered ankle ligament damage.

‘The situation yesterday doesn’t make it easier but we try to do the right things if that’s possible. If it isn’t then it isn’t,’ he added.

When quizzed on a diagnosis for Matip, Klopp confirmed that he had been sent for scans but they were still hours away from learning more on his injury.

Nathaniel Phillips (left) came on at half-time to partner Jordan Henderson in heart of defence

Victory breathed new life into Liverpool’s bid to retain their league title but defeat to Matip leaves them shy of a senior centre back and Klopp admitted he was ’emotional’ after the game.     

With limited time left in the window it was put to Klopp whether the sticking point so far has been financial or more so that the required quality has not presented itself as available this month.

‘I am not sure there is an £80million centre back available at the moment,’ the German said. 

‘I know a player of this calibre teams do not want to sell them now. It is both (financial and quality). Of course we need to find the right player and it needs to suit our financial situation that’s clear as well.

‘Everything is long-term because, OK, apart from bringing a player in for six months, everything is usually long-term. 

Klopp has made do without Joe Gomez (left) and Virgil van Dijk (right) for most of the season

‘I had just one half-a-year contract in my time in Steven Caulker I think. It’s about solution and that’s what we are working on.’ 

Jordan Henderson, who will rise to fourth in Liverpool’s all-time Premier League appearance makers if he plays against West Ham on Sunday, has been preferred as a centre back option ahead of some of the club’s Academy talents.

That, in Klopp’s opinion, is down to the captain’s personality and experience rather than a lack of faith in youngsters such as Nathanial Phillips. 

‘With young players it must almost be the right moment,’ Klopp added. 

‘(Henderson) helps us there. He can defend the position, he has to adapt that is clear as well but he is the personality we need, the experience we need and the football we need.’