Liverpool have reportedly reopened contract talks with defender Dejan Lovren having previously seen negotiations with the Croatian international stall.
The 27-year-old has been an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans so far this season, making 23 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.
In turn, The Telegraph report that after initial discussions fell flat last year, the two parties have revived talks with a view of extending Lovren’s stay at Anfield beyond 2019.
The former Southampton man arrived in a £20m deal in 2014 and has significantly improved after a difficult start under Klopp which saw him make several high-profile errors.
However, the German tactician stuck by him and is now being rewarded, which in turn has led to the fresh contract talks, although Lovren will be focused on maintaining his fitness and form between now and the end of the season having struggled with injury setbacks along the way.
Although it seems Klopp is keen on Lovren staying, it’s added by the Telegraph that he still wants another central defender to be added to his squad with the Croatian ace, Joel Matip and defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva being used as a back-up option.
Clearly, Liverpool need to strengthen in that department to add quality and depth, especially if they harbour ambitions of moving on and challenging for the Premier League title while they could also be featuring in the Champions League next season as they remain on course to finish in the top six.
Lovren will hope to play an important role in making that happen, but with the defence still one of Liverpool’s biggest weaknesses, he’ll have to continue to prove he deserves his new deal and a prominent role under Klopp.