Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)placeholder image
Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool have been in discussions with Tottenham Hotspur over the future of Andy Robertson.
AS Roma sporting director Ricky Massara confirmed that talks have happened with Liverpool over the future of Kostas Tsimikas.
The Reds have been exploring the possibility of recalling Tsimikas from his loan spell in the Eternal City. Liverpool vice-captain Andy Robertson has been wanted by Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window. The left-back is behind Milos Kerkez in Arne Slot's pecking order and has five months left on his Anfield contract.
A departure for Robertson after eight-and-a-half years at the club would leave the Reds short in defence, so the possibility of Tsimikas moving back to Merseyside has been explored. The Greece international has struggled for minutes at the Stadio Olimpico, starting only four Serie A games. He was an unused substitute in a 1-1 draw against AC Milan on Sunday. Ahead of the game, Massara told DAZN: “There are ongoing discussions with Liverpool, we'll see in the next few days."
However, it is likely that discussions will now end over Tsimikas' future, with Robertson set to remain at Liverpool. The Reds do not feel that they can lose the Scotland international midway through the season despite a £5 million package being discussed.
Robertson came off the bench at half-time in last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at AFC Bournemouth. Kerkez was replaced as Liverpool did not want to increase any risk of injury.
Liverpool are short of defenders, with Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the rest of the season with respective knee injuries. In addition, Joe Gomez was forced off at Bournemouth following a collision with Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker in a bid to stop Evanilson’s open the scoring on the south coast. Ibrahima Konate has also missed the past two games, having been granted compassionate leave following the passing of his father.
The Times reports that Roma have been reluctant to allow Tsimikas to return to Liverpool despite his lack of minutes.
Liverpool have been willing to respect Robertson’s stance given his loyal service since an £8 million arrival from Hull City in 2017. He’s etched himself into Anfield history by helping the Reds win eight major trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Speaking on his future earlier this month, Robertson said: "We’ll see what happens," Robertson said. "We’ve had chats now which will remain private. I've spoken to them and we’ll see what happens. Would I like to stay? Yes, but it’s a difficult question to ask. I’ve got five months left and we need to see the option to stay or if there’s options to go and things like that.
"I’ll sit down with my family and decide. After a stressful summer, I’m just trying to enjoy being a part of it, and being a Liverpool player. I wanted to qualify for the World Cup and thankfully we’ve managed to do that. I need to see what myself and my family wants moving forward.
"Nobody can deny what I have given to this club. I’ve given everything day in and day out and put in some performances which I think have been good and I hope others agree. I’ve won a lot of trophies and had a lot of good days here.
"So it’s not quite like what the club needs to show in the next four months. My relationship with the people higher up in the club has always been excellent since the day I came in. Signing me for £8m and then doing what I have done helps that! I remind people of that all the time.”
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