Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Liverpool are still looking to sign a midfielder before the transfer window shuts.

The Reds admitted defeat in their pursuit of Naby Keita after RB Leipzig rejected an offer of £66million and insisted he wasn’t for sale.

Klopp has since seen his midfield options depleted by injuries to Adam Lallana and wantaway Brazilian Philippe Coutinho ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener at Watford. The manager says Liverpool are considering potential reinforcements in that department.

“We don’t have too many midfield players in the moment who have experience,” Klopp said.

“Are we looking still for players? Yes. That is the truth. But we were looking for players before Adam was injured. Now he is injured and Phil is injured so we have two less.

“It doesn’t make the situation more comfortable. You cannot be really prepared for situations like this but we have time.

“I’m just thinking about Watford and how we can start the season. But the 31st (August)? Yes, I know. Everything can happen. But I’m not sure that they will happen. If I were sure, they would probably already be in or whatever. It’s still open for business.”

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Concerns remain about whether Liverpool have done sufficient business to build on last season’s top-four finish as they prepare for the added demands of European football this term.

Klopp's pre-Watford press conference in full

But Klopp has been delighted by the impact of new boys Mohamed Salah, Dominic Solanke and Andy Robertson ahead of the trip to Vicarage Road.

“We will see what happens for us. We’ve tried to strengthen the squad. That’s happened in all parts,” Klopp added.

“Dom puts pressure on all our other central strikers. Mo too and Robbo is really on a good way so that’s all cool.

“We got Hendo (Jordan Henderson) back after a long time out and that is also a big positive thing for us.

“Alberto Moreno – you saw him. He looks good, he looks different, he has matured. He used the year to work on a few things that we had spoken about. When he can really handle them, he is an outstanding player. That’s all good. In this moment I am really fine but we will see what happens.”