Liverpool look to have fought off interest from Tottenham Hotspur to keep Andy Robertson beyond the end of the January transfer window.
The left-back has become a fringe player at Anfield for the first time in his career this season and had been looking to get more game time ahead of the World Cup.
However, despite discussions reportedly reaching an advanced stage with Spurs, Liverpool have blocked Robertson from leaving, citing a lack of necessary cover.
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The Reds are currently operating with a small-ish squad and can hardly rid themselves of even fewer options in defence.
Nevertheless, the January raid attempts look set to continue, with another back-up player – Federico Chiesa – reportedly not secured in staying at Liverpool beyond next Monday’s deadline.
Juventus rekindle Federico Chiesa interest
There had been suggestions that Juventus were keen on a return for Chiesa towards the beginning of the month. But with Liverpool short in attack the initial interest went nowhere.
Juve turned to other options, namely Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri. With a move for the Moroccan becoming ever more complicated, however, they may make another late play for Liverpool’s No. 14.
That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that the Old Lady may not have given up on bringing Chiesa back.
En-Nesyri appears to be off the table for now, and with Juve said to be ‘irritated’ by his attitude towards the move, they are ready to look at other options.
Contact has reportedly been made with Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee as a result, while Chiesa is also said to be the subject of negotiations heading into the final week of the window.
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Liverpool unlikely to let Chiesa leave
One thing has changed since Juventus’ interest in Chiesa in early January: Liverpool do now have another attacking option available.
Mohamed Salah has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, and perhaps Juve feel the presence of the Egyptian makes Chiesa worth another crack.
However, while Liverpool may have Salah back, they are still without Alexander Isak. There is not much wiggle room in terms of their attacking numbers. Chiesa can be an ‘exceptional’ option for Arne Slot and he will be needed until Isak returns.
Consequently, it would be a surprise if the Reds entertain any kind of offer for Chiesa in the next week. You never quite know with Liverpool these days, though, so if Juve push hard enough perhaps they will see some cracks start to show.
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