Two Liverpool defenders set to leave before the end of the month

Liverpool defenders Calvin Ramsay and Nat Phillips are both expected to leave before the end of January, with a number of clubs expressing an interest in taking them on a loan deal.

The pair recently returned to Anfield after experiencing differing levels of success during their loan spells at Preston and Celtic, respectively. While Phillips' half-season stint at Celtic was not renewed, Ramsay was recalled early after finding his playing time limited by a series of injuries.

While the Reds are short in defensive areas after injuries to Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, it appears that coach Jurgen Klopp won't stand in the way of the pair in their search for regular game time.

Speaking ahead of his side's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Fulham, the Reds' assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders confirmed that there is substantial interest in securing the services of the pair on loan.

The Dutchman said: "There’s interest, which is good. We have to find, with the agent, with himself, with the clubs, the right decision for the player."

The importance of game time

Lijnders went on to emphasise the importance of game time for the club's young talents going out on loan, citing the positive impact of Fabio Carvalho's move to Hull after his underwhelming spell with RB Leipzig.

"He needs to play, have a lot of success. That’s why I like the move of Fabio Carvalho to Hull, for example. He plays a lot, he’s straight away decisive together with Tyler Morton," Lijnders explained.

Busy loan department

This January has been a busy one for the department coordinating Liverpool's loanees.

"Matt Newberry, our head of loans, he’s full of business this window – he needs a holiday after this, for sure!" joked Lijnders.

The Reds have been proactive in recalling several players this month, including James Balagizi from Wigan Athletic, Rhys Williams from Aberdeen, and Billy Koumetio from Dunkerque.

"These boys all have potential, otherwise they would not be with us, but they need as well the right pathway. A good loan can do wonders," Lijnders added.

While Williams has since secured a move to Port Vale in League One, Balagizi is on the verge of a move to Scottish side Kilmarnock.

The club may also consider further interest in Koumetio, while offers are expected for winger Harvey Blair and under-21s captain Tom Hill.

Things have worked out somewhat better for Owen Beck since his early return from Dundee. The left-back made his Premier League debut off the bench on Sunday in the 4-0 win against Bournemouth.