Speculation surrounding Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson's future have dominated the backpages recently.
With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, the Scotsman has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Times reported last week that Thomas Frank's side were willing to pay £3m to sign Robertson in January as opposed to waiting until the end of the season to get him for free.
But now, it appears as if Liverpool have pulled the plug on the deal in what could be a big blow to Tottenham's plans.
Milos Kerkez has emerged as Arne Slot's first-choice left back since moving to Liverpool from Bournemouth last summer.
Robertson has largely played second fiddle to the Hungarian, but the Reds have turned to his experience a handful of times this season, making him a useful squad option.
If Liverpool lose Robertson now, they'd need a left-back to deputise for Kerkez.
Kostas Tsimikas is still contracted to the club but is on loan at Roma. According to The Times, the Serie A side have thus far been unwilling to cancel Tsimikas' loan deal, which has led to Liverpool pulling the plug on Robertson's departure.
As things stand, Robertson will not move to Tottenham midway through the season. But the January transfer window is still open for a week, so we'll have to wait and see how the situation develops.
With Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley injured, Liverpool are already short of options defensively.
Joe Gomez's premature substitution against Bournemouth is another cause for concern for Slot as the Englishman hobbled off in the first half after colliding with Alisson Becker.
Robertson has a wealth of experience and has also played as a central defender a handful of times over his decorated Anfield career so far.
While Liverpool would prefer to sell him now than to lose him for free in the summer, it goes without saying that they won't deplete their squad further without drafting in a suitable replacement.
The Scotsman is undoubtedly one of Liverpool's modern-day greats and could yet be a key player for the club in the second half of the season.
