Liverpool transfer news: How Owen Beck recall impacts transfers
Young Liverpool left-back Owen Beck has been recalled by the club following his loan spell at Dundee FC, the defender's return set to impact the Reds' transfer plans in January.
Beck, who is the great-nephew of Liverpool's record goalscorer Ian Rush, has spent the first half of the season with the Scottish Premiership side, making a positive impression north of the border.
The 21-year-old made 20 appearances for Dundee in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists for his temporary club.
The Welsh U21 international made a big impact at the Scot Foam Stadium, with Dundee praising the youngster in their announcement of his return to Merseyside.
Writing on X, the club stated: "Owen signed on loan for Dundee in the summer and quickly became an important player for The Dee putting in fantastic performances.
"His great displays led to him being called up to the Welsh National squad for the first time and he has received many plaudits for his performances.
"Owen will be greatly missed by everyone at Dundee FC as he has been outstanding both on and off the field."
However, due to Liverpool's left-back injury crisis - both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are sidelined through injury - the Reds have recalled Beck to help fill the void in defence.
Robertson is expected to return in the near future but may not see action until February, while Tsimikas will be out for several months with a broken collarbone.
Therefore, Beck's arrival may offer makeshift left-back Joe Gomez a rest, the defender perhaps featuring for the Reds in upcoming FA Cup and Carabao Cup matches at the start of January.
Jack Lusby of This Is Anfield has suggested that Beck's recall means that Liverpool are unlikely to make a left-back signing in the upcoming winter transfer window, the Reds utilising the 21-year-old until Robertson's return and then perhaps sending him out on loan again.
Lusby is not the first to report that Liverpool will not move for a new left-back in January, with the Athletic's James Pearce also suggesting that the Reds won't strengthen in that area.
If he were to feature for Liverpool, Beck would then have to re-join Dundee should he depart on loan once more.
The return of the Welshman indicates that Jurgen Klopp is not entirely satisfied with the current young left-back options he has in the squad, both Calum Scanlon and Luke Chambers having infrequently been used in the Europa League.
Beck will be the third Liverpool player recalled early from a loan spell. Fabio Carvalho has already returned to Anfield following an unsuccessful stint at RB Leipzig, while Rhys Williams will cut his spell at Aberdeen short after failing to feature for the Dons' first team.
Nat Phillips, who has also struggled for minutes while at Celtic, will return from his six-month loan spell this January.