Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is no closer to signing a new left-back in this transfer window and is now set to stick with Alberto Moreno for his first full season in charge of the reds.
Throughout last season Moreno repeatedly cost Liverpool due to his defensive frailties, with his Europa League Final performance against Sevilla emphatically emphasising the Spaniard's inability to defend.
However, to the dismay of many Liverpool fans, the Liverpool Echo have reported that Klopp will not seek a direct replacement for Moreno this summer.
Instead, Liverpool’s primary left back target is Ben Chilwell, a 19-year-old with only 11 senior club appearances to his name. Chilwell was second choice behind Christian Fuchs as Leicester became champions, and it is likely he would serve as backup to Moreno at Anfield as well.
Chilwell is a player Klopp and his recruitment team believe could be a gem, but he is far from a guaranteed upgrade on Moreno at this stage.
Last week it was reported that negotiations for the young Englishman had hit a stumbling block, Leicester City have been demanding £10m, with Liverpool only willing to offer £7m and threatening to look elsewhere.
If negotiations cannot progress with Leicester for Chilwell's services then it would be interesting to see where the Reds would look next. A host of left-backs from across Europe have been linked with the problem position at Anfield this summer including German international Jonas Hector, Wolfsburg's marauding Ricardo Rodriguez and yet another return to Southampton for Ryan Bertrand has been touted.
However, for the time being, it appears as though Moreno's starting berth is somehow safe with Klopp valuing his speed, control and the continuous attacking width he provides. Klopp prides himself on bringing the best out of players and he sees the development potential in the 23 year old, even if every step forward he makes seems to be followed by a couple backwards.
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