Football
Melissa Reddy, Correspondent 5y

Klopp: Liverpool deadline day signings unlikely

Jurgen Klopp has reiterated Liverpool will not make signings for the sake of it on deadline day, before adding that Sadio Mane could feature in Friday's Premier League opener against Norwich City.

The Champions League holders have only recruited teenagers Harvey Elliott (16) and Sepp van den Berg (17) this summer. They have also brought in goalkeeper Adrian to replace Simon Mignolet as Alisson's deputy.

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Klopp believes his squad will improve without investment, as explained by ESPN FC last month, and considers tying down the bulk of the team to new deals as the club's most important piece of business. He joked reporters would have a better chance of transfer news with rivals Everton, who have been active in this window.

 

"It's not really likely," Klopp said at Melwood when asked about incomings ahead of the window closing at 5 p.m. BST on Thursday.

"So if you need something to do, I think you should go to Everton! I think they are more busy. But we will see.

"Our transfer window was checking options and thinking about it and making decisions. That's how we do it always. If nothing happens, it was because the decision was not the right option for us.

"We will not make signings just for making signings. That makes no sense."

Klopp was specifically asked whether Philippe Coutinho was offered back to Liverpool by Barcelona, responding: "No answer! How we deal with things like this in the past allows us to deal with it like this.

"We don't make big comments on these things."

Klopp had already ruled out re-signing the Brazil international, who spent five years at the club, in an exclusive interview with ESPN FC.

Meanwhile, Sadio Mane will be in the matchday squad against Norwich at Anfield and could feature in the starting XI despite only having two weeks off following his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. 

"He looks fit," Klopp said. "Yesterday was the first session with the team. He looks absolutely OK, in good spirits, looking forward to it. Yes he's an option."

James Milner has shrugged off a tight muscle and will be available for selection on Friday night.

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