Jurgen Klopp insists he’s in no rush to make a decision on Joe Gomez’s future as he praised the Liverpool youngster for his impact in pre-season.

The 20-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a loan move with Premier League new boys Brighton keen to secure his services.

However, the manager says Gomez, who missed the opening year of Klopp’s reign due to a ruptured ACL, could still have an important role to play for the Reds this season.

As well as operating at centre-back, Gomez can provide cover at full-back and Klopp has been impressed by his contribution in the friendlies so far.

(Image: AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

“The window is open until August 31 so we will see what is best for the player,” Klopp told the ECHO.

“Joe is another player who is now in the best shape since I have been in. It’s very positive.

“Joe can also play the full-back positions. He played there at Wigan with no training. We need him also in offensive situations.

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“With Clyney (Nathaniel Clyne) and Milly (James Milner) injured, it’s important we have more options there.

“Trent (Alexander-Arnold) is a fantastic player but he’s young. The situation at the moment is intense for everyone but you can imagine what it’s like for a young boy. It’s good to have Joe around.”

(Image: (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))

Gomez made his comeback to the first-team ranks in January but was restricted to just three appearances in the second half of last season.

He was still striving for full fitness after so long out but he told the ECHO last week that he’s finally back to 100% and would rather stay put than go out on loan.

His prospects will be linked to whether Southampton change their stance over the coming weeks and reluctantly sell Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool.

If £60million rated Van Dijk doesn’t get the move he craves then Gomez is highly likely to stay put and compete with Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan for a starting spot at centre-back.

(Image: (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))

Klopp sanctioned a season-long loan for midfielder Pedro Chirivella to Dutch side Willem II this week and is considering letting a number of other youngsters head out on temporary deals.

Sheyi Ojo will head for the Championship and fellow winger Ryan Kent is likely to follow him later in the window.

But Klopp won’t allow too many rookies to depart as he doesn’t want to severely weaken the club’s under-23s squad.

“We will see what other clubs want and what we want,” Klopp added.

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“If it’s a loan we have to be in the decisions with the player and his family. I don’t have the need to make those decisions early.

“The transfer window is still open for a long time. We need numbers for the squad and for training.

“We want to have another strong youth under-23s this season. No final decisions.

“People will ask and we will think about it. If it makes sense then we’ll do it. Otherwise the boys will stay here.”