Jurgen Klopp 'blocks Dejan Lovren from leaving Liverpool'

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has reportedly told Dejan Lovren that he will not be allowed to leave the Reds during the January transfer window.

Lovren was strongly linked with a move away from the Champions League holders over the summer, the likes of AC Milan and Roma credited with an interest in the Croatia international.

The 2018 World Cup finalist ultimately remained at Anfield but has struggled for regular action this term due to the form of Joel Matip, who has impressed alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Matip is currently on the sidelines through injury, though, meaning that Lovren and Joe Gomez will battle for the position alongside Van Dijk in Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City.

According to Football Insider, Lovren is still keen on a move away from the Reds, but Klopp has blocked the centre-back from leaving in January due to concerns over a crowded fixture list.

Liverpool will continue to play Premier League and Champions League fixtures until the middle of next month, while they will also face two matches in the space of 24 hours in December as they tackle Aston Villa in the EFL Cup on December 17 before taking part in a Club World Cup semi-final the next day.