Klopp drops biggest hint yet and provides insight on Liverpool’s transfer plans

Jurgen Klopp has opened up on Liverpool's January transfer plans and admitted the club are looking at players who are both short-term and long-term solutions.

But the Reds boss warned that signing a centre-back ready-made for Liverpool is much harder than it looks, and he cannot guarantee the Anfield club will land a suitable candidate.

Liverpool have struggled in defence all season after losing centre-back pairing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to long-term injuries.

Joel Matip has also been in the wars in recent weeks, while Fabinho – who has filled in at centre-back – has missed matches through injury for the Reds.

Pressure is on Klopp and co. to snap up a world-class defender this January who will fix all Liverpool's problems and lead them to a second title in consecutive seasons.

But Klopp has warned it isn't as easy as this, as top clubs, who house top talent, aren't in the business of strengthening their rivals.

That said, Klopp has hinted that a signing could be in the pipeline as Liverpool are working every waking hour to close a deal.

He also explained that, ultimately, it is Liverpool's plan to sign a short-term solution – someone who can fix the current problems at the club – and a long-term solution – a defender who can fill it for Van Dijk and Gomez going forward – all in one centre-back.

"If we don't sleep, we work," explained Liverpool manager Klopp. "That's what we did all the time. So we will try and we will see."

"In an ideal world, it would be that the short term solution is the long term solution as well – wow that would be great. I don't know if we can do that, but we will see."

Liverpool beat Tottenham 3-1 on Thursday night to move back into the top four spots.

But the Reds, who were without Fabinho for the clash, lost Matip to an ankle injury, with the German coming off at half time against Spurs.

Klopp said on Friday: "Last night I was after the game, especially with that [Matip injury], pretty emotional just because at half-time the boys [are] sitting there.

"Now, meanwhile, there are still glimpses of hope that it's not serious.

"We don't have the final result because the scan didn't happen yet. So we know more in three or four hours hopefully. Fabinho no chance for the weekend."

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