Liverpool are reportedly planning to offer Joe Gomez a new contract this summer.
The defender has struggled for game time so far this season, having fallen behind Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate in the centre-back pecking order at Anfield.
Gomez was a key member of Liverpool's title-winning side in the 2019-20 campaign, but he suffered a serious knee injury last season and has so far been unable to work himself back into Jurgen Klopp's first-team plans on a regular basis.
The 24-year-old has started just three Premier League games all season and has only appeared seven times in total in the top flight, leading to speculation over his long-term future at the club.
Newly-promoted Fulham have been linked with a summer move for him, while Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in the past.
© Reuters
However, the Liverpool Echo claims that Klopp is keen to keep the England international and Liverpool will attempt to tie him down to a new contract soon.
Gomez's current deal expires in 2024, and the player himself is understood to want more regular first-team football in order to work his way into Gareth Southgate's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Nat Phillips is set to return to Liverpool from his loan spell with Bournemouth this summer, although the report suggests that any new deal for Gomez would see Liverpool try to offload Phillips on a permanent basis.
Gomez has also provided back-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back this season, and his versatility is thought to be a key reason why Klopp wants to keep him.
© Reuters
The defender joined Liverpool from Charlton Athletic in 2015 and has gone on to make 140 appearances for the club, helping them to win the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in that time.
The Reds remain in the hunt for all four trophies this season, although their Premier League title hopes took a hit courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
While that result lifted Klopp's side to the top of the Premier League table, Man City could regain top spot and move three points clear when they face Newcastle United in their game in hand on Sunday.
Liverpool have already won the EFL Cup this season, while they will play Chelsea in the final of the FA Cup and Real Madrid in the final of the Champions League later this month.
Barney Corkhill
