OPINION
With Ragnar Klavan linked with a move away from Anfield, Liverpool cannot afford to sell any defensive options this summer after failing to add to their back line.
The centre-back could leave before the end of the month, according to the Liverpool Echo, with the Estonian keen to gain regular first-team minutes elsewhere.
Although Klavan is not regarded as the number one choice for the Reds, it is important that Jurgen Klopp manages to hold onto the 32-year-old by the end of August and does a U-turn on his decision to consider offers for the senior player..
Although the Premier League’s transfer window has closed, other European clubs will be circling the English club to make further signings.
Liverpool currently have Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence and are awaiting the return of Dejan Lovren who is recovering from a long summer with World Cup finalists Croatia.
Other options include Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, as well as rising star Nat Phillips, who impressed under Klopp during pre-season.
Although there is back-up in the position, there are no guarantees that the centre-backs will remain fit over the course of the season and it is more than likely that the 6ft 1 defender will be required to fill in as cover.
Matip is already ruled out on the sidelines while Gomez is another casualty who has only just returned to the first-team.
Although Klavan himself was ruled out injured, Klopp was forced in playing midfielders Fabinho and Marko Grujic in defence with no preferred defenders to choose from and cannot afford to perform the same risks in competitive league fixtures.
The German boss must keep all his defensive options with Klavan offering a vast amount of experience which will be useful towards Klopp instead of potentially relying on inexperienced youngsters who will be unfamiliar in uncharted territories.
