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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gives two-word response to question on Dejan Lovren transfer
LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp was coy when asked whether he believes Dejan Lovren will still be at the club at the end of the European transfer window.
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Lovren looks set to be closing in on a move away from Anfield in the next few weeks with talks ongoing between Liverpool and Roma over a £15million move.
The centre-back was a crucial part of Liverpool’s squad last season after both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez suffered injuries at the same time.
But it seems Klopp is prepared to let the Croatia international leave after being left out of the squad that beat Norwich 4-1 on the opening game of the Premier League season.
He hasn’t travelled with the squad to play in the Super Cup against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Klopp was asked in his pre-match press conference whether he expected Lovren to leave the club in the next few weeks.
But he simply smiled as he answered: “No idea.”
Pressed further on whether Lovren’s absence in Istanbul for the Super Cup was due to a pending transfer, the Liverpool boss was similarly coy.
“It’s because he’s ill [smiles],” he added.
“We will see what happens.”
Lovren’s potential exit would possibly leave Klopp short of options at centre-back, especially if two of Gomez, Van Dijk and Matip suffer injuries at the same time again.
But Liverpool’s apparent willingness to sell Lovren could mean Klopp holds more faith in Ki-Jana Hoever being promoted to the first team this season.
The 17-year-old was signed from Ajax for just £90,000 last summer and has been included in Liverpool’s squad for the Super Cup.
He made his Liverpool debut in the FA Cup last season, coming on for the injured Lovren as the Reds lost 2-1 to Wolves.
With a return to Premier League action on Saturday against Southampton, Klopp is expected to make a number of changes to his starting line-up against Chelsea.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joel Matip and Sadio Mane could be set to make their first starts of the season.
Following Alisson’s injury against Norwich, summer signing Adrian will also be handed his first start between the sticks with an extended run in the team expected over the next few weeks.