Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has revealed that manager Jurgen Klopp told him in no uncertain terms that he would not sanction a loan move away from the club.

The Croatian international wanted to leave Anfield for more first-team football, but speaking whilst on international duty, the centre-back explained that Klopp saw him as an important squad player:

“I did consider moving. I knew I gave my best for Liverpool, won the Champions League, and I am not kind of player that likes to be benched and earn money. Some people around me advised me ‘what do you care? You are at a big club, shut up and take the money’. But I am not happy on the bench.”

“I feel very happy because all the time I felt Liverpool was by me, I respect that a lot. Klopp told me ‘listen, buddy, you are top-class player, we will not let you go on loan. We need you’. I wanted to leave, it didn’t happen, I was told Liverpool need me and I accepted that.”

Lovren was linked with both Roma and AC Milan in the summer but it is believed neither were willing to match Liverpool’s £18m asking price for the 30-year-old.

With loan proposals the only offers on the table, it appears Klopp was unwilling to weaken his squad. Whether that situation will change in January, we shall have to wait and see.

Lovren has not featured in a matchday squad in the league this season, with Joel Matip currently the first choice centre-half alongside Virgil van Dijk, with Joe Gomez having been handed bench duties.