Liverpool are expected to turn to James Milner to solve their left-back issues.
Jurgen Klopp saw his efforts to lure Ben Chilwell from Leicester City dashed when the defender signed a new deal with the Premier League champions.
And the Reds manager is now planning to use vice-captain Milner as an emergency full-back as an alternative to the 19-year-old’s prospective signing.
The midfielder previously played the role during Liverpool’s Europa League win over Manchester United in March and has been trialled during pre-season.
Alberto Moreno will begin the new campaign as the club’s first-choice left-back with Joe Gomez, Ragnar Klavan and even Nathaniel Clyne capable of deputising.
Klopp is preparing to allow Jon Flanagan to leave on loan as he seeks more available first-team opportunities away from Anfield in the coming season.