LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 25, 2016: Liverpool's Jon Flanagan celebrating the victory after 6-6 winning in penalties during the Football League Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg match against Stoke City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jurgen Klopp confirms Jon Flanagan contract extension, his role in discussions

With Jon Flanagan on the verge of signing a new contract with Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp said he is “really happy” the right-back will remain at the club.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 25, 2016: Liverpool's Jon Flanagan celebrating the victory after 6-6 winning in penalties during the Football League Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg match against Stoke City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Widespread reports on Thursday revealed Flanagan has agreed a new three-year deal, likely to be announced on Friday.

This signals the end of a saga that saw both Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana call for the 23-year-old to be offered a new contract, having impressed on his return from injury.

Having spent 20 months on the sidelines with knee problems, Flanagan has made five appearances under Klopp—enough to convince the German of his long-term worth.

Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, Klopp expressed his delight at Flanagan’s new deal.

“Of course. I was little bit involved in these negotiations,” he said.

“We’re all happy, especially for Flanno.

“In this special case, with his long-term injury it’s better for Flanno.

“There are a few other full-backs in the world, but not so many Scousers, and not many that come back after this difficult injury.

“He’s our boy, and we’re really happy to be here.”

Klopp has clearly recognised the importance of a local presence within his squad, no doubt inspired by his meeting with Steven Gerrard over the winter.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 20, 2016: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp hugs Jon Flanagan after the 3-0 victory over Exeter City during the FA Cup 3rd Round Replay match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

But while the 48-year-old stressed he had an influence on Flanagan’s extension, he continued to explain that he left discussions to the club, with CEO Ian Ayre overseeing contract talks.

“I’m not involved in the negotiations about the numbers,” he detailed.

“I don’t sit with the player and say ‘that’s too much’.

“But of course I was involved in the decision that we’ll offer him a new contract, [and] which kind of contract.”

Klopp will have informed the club of his long-term plans for Flanagan, and with John W. Henry and Tom Werner showing their unwavering faith in their new manager so far, this proved pivotal.

Flanagan has showcased his value to Klopp since returning from injury, and now set to remain at the club for the foreseeable future, the onus is on the academy product to establish himself in the first team.

His next opportunity may come in Sunday’s Premier League clash away to Southampton, with Alberto Moreno likely to miss out with a hamstring injury.

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