Liverpool have pulled out of talks with Tottenham over their approach for Andy Robertson. Spurs made their move late last week as Thomas Frank sought to add much-needed experience to his squad.
Liverpool listened to the approach in recognition of Robertson’s contribution to the club in the last eight and a half years and the fact he is out of contract in the summer.
However, the club have decided against continuing negotiations over the Scotland captain, who turns 32 in March, after considering their options. Robertson had not asked for a move and Liverpool have no cover for him and Milos Kerkez at left-back.
Quick Guide
How do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?
Show
Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for ‘The Guardian’.
If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
In the Guardian app, tap the Profile settings button at the top right, then select Notifications.
Turn on sport notifications.
Robertson has started only four of his club’s 23 Premier League matches this season, having lost his place to Kerkez, but has been in the starting lineup for four of their seven Champions League fixtures, including against Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Inter.
Liverpool’s vice-captain came off the bench for the start of the second half of Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth, with Arne Slot saying Kerkez had been withdrawn because he was considered in the “red zone” – when players are at most risk of injury.
Slot has lost the defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni to season-ending injuries, and Joe Gomez was forced off in the first half at Bournemouth with what is hoped to be bruising to his knee. His fellow centre-back Ibrahima Konaté has missed the past two matches after the death of his father.
Virgil van Dijk said he did not want Robertson to leave, and Slot said he wanted to keep all his players with Liverpool in contention in the Champions League and FA Cup.
