Liverpool make surprise decision on Ragnar Klavan as transfer deadline nears

Liverpool will consider offers for fifth-choice centre-back Ragnar Klavan this month, in a surprise move from the club in the wake of recent injuries.

Klavan is one of three central defenders currently sidelined, with Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren also out of action, leaving Joe Gomez to partner Virgil van Dijk.

Gomez himself has struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons, and pre-season success story Nathaniel Phillips endured back trouble last term, leaving Van Dijk as the only truly reliable option.

However, with the manager looking to trim down his squad before the end of the European transfer window on August 31, he could sanction an exit for Klavan.

According to the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce, the Reds would allow Klavan to leave if they receive an acceptable offer.

The Estonian was signed for just £4.2 million in 2016, and has one year left on his current contract—though Liverpool have the option to extend this by a further season.

“Klopp isn’t actively looking to move on Klavan,” Pearce explains, adding “if the right opportunity doesn’t come up then he will remain a valued member of the squad.”

But with Newcastle United already making an approach before the English window closed on August 9, and Besiktas linked by Turkish outlet Fotomac, it is feasible he moves on.

Pearce suggests “a return to the Bundesliga before August 31 is a possibility.”

Klavan has proved himself a very dependable figure in his two seasons with the Reds so far, and it would be disappointing if he does leave.

Though he is the oldest player in the squad at 32, he is far from over the hill, and given neither Matip or Lovren are consistent in their fitness allowing him to move on with no replacement would questionable.

But Phillips’ ability to operate on the right of the defensive pairing, rather than in Van Dijk’s natural role on the left, may have swayed Klopp’s decision.

Simon Mignolet, Connor Randall, Pedro Chirivella, Marko Grujic, Sheyi Ojo, Lazar Markovic and Divock Origi are among those who could also leave before the end of the month.