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Jurgen Klopp is prepared to use Liverpool vice-captain James Milner as an emergency full-back this season rather than bringing in defensive cover.

The Reds boss had been looking to sign a new left-back to compete with Spaniard Alberto Moreno.

Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell was his top target but Liverpool were frustrated in their attempts to agree a fee with the Premier League champions.

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The Reds recently gave up on their pursuit of the England Under-21s international with Klopp doubting Chilwell’s desire for the move to come off.

The manager is now considering other options but there are no guarantees that he will dip into the transfer market.

Klopp is looking for a long-term option rather than a quick fix and unless he can find the right player he will utilise the talent he already possesses.

The German has spoken to Milner about the possibility of playing full-back when required this season.

It was telling that the 30-year-old midfielder spent time at both right-back and left-back during Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in Pasadena.

Milner started at left-back in place of the injured Moreno when Liverpool played Manchester United in the Europa League at Old Trafford last season.

Nathaniel Clyne, who sat out the game at the Rose Bowl with a tight hamstring, is the club’s first choice right-back with Moreno operating on the opposite flank.

Klopp also has cover in the form of youngsters Connor Randall and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as Joe Gomez, who is currently ruled out with an Achilles injury.

Fellow full-back Jon Flanagan is expected to go out on loan to get regular game time this season with Andre Wisdom also set to depart before the transfer window shuts.