Liverpool FC transfer news: Lovren omitted for Super Cup clash as Roma negotiations continue

Dejan Lovren didn’t travel with the Liverpool side for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Chelsea on Wednesday. The Telegraph claims that discussions are still on with AS Roma regarding a possible transfer for the Croatian.

Lovren has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield and is the fourth choice behind Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

The Reds also signed upcoming defender Sepp van den Berg in the summer while Ki-Jana Hoever can also slot into the centre-back position.

Jurgen Klopp wasn’t giving anything away regarding Lovren’s future and claimed the Croatian was absent due to illness (h/t Telegraph):

“No idea. We will see what happens. He is ill.”

The report adds that the Reds value Lovren at £15million and Roma have to meet that price point if they are to land the former Southampton man.

Klopp taking a big gamble

Liverpool had some trouble lining up fit centre-backs at one point last season. Fabinho started some games in that position when our other defenders were out injured.

The Reds cannot strengthen the side should they sell Lovren, as the Premier League’s transfer window has closed. Keeping just three senior centre-backs in the team is a bit of a risk, and it will be interesting to see who Klopp promotes to the first-team squad should Lovren leave.