Jurgen Klopp insists that Liverpool will not sell Naby Keita this month.
Talks over extending Keita’s stay at Anfield beyond the expiry of his current deal next summer remain ongoing but are yet to deliver a breakthrough.
Reports in Germany claimed the Guinea international was unhappy, leading to speculation that he could leave the Reds before the transfer window closes.
Klopp, however, insists there are currently no plans to allow Keita to leave without a suitable replacement lined up to take his place in the midfield.
He said: “Selling Naby now and not replacing [him]? No, that’s not possible. But it’s not the plan.
“We are not dumb that we think a player can go and we don’t replace him and stuff like this. There’s no chance.
“Naby will not go but if he would, there must be a replacement of course.
“It’s clear.”
The Liverpool manager also dismissed suggestions he would prefer to draft in further reinforcements if the club’s financial restrictions were no object.
“It makes no sense to worry about something you cannot change. It’s a waste of energy, positivity,” added the German.
“I love this group, really I do, and not because they are so good-looking! They are incredible characters and they showed it again on Monday.
“Now let’s go and don’t worry constantly about what these kind of things. If the facts are the facts, accept them and go from there.”