Joe Gomez wants to stay at Liverpool rather than go out on loan this season.

Premier League new boys Brighton are keen to sign the 20-year-old defender on a temporary basis, but he has his sights set on forcing his way into Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

Much will depend on whether Liverpool sign another centre-back.

If they can’t secure the services of Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk then Gomez is set to stay around to compete with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan for a starting spot.

Gomez found his opportunities limited after returning to action in January following nine months out with a ruptured ACL. But now he feels fitter and stronger and he caught the eye in the midweek friendly win over Crystal Palace.

(Image: AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

“My main aim is to play here for Liverpool and under this manager,” Gomez told the ECHO.

“My target is to get regular football and I want to play at the top level and that’s what I am focused on at the moment.

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“I feel 100%. I know that this pre-season is a big opportunity for me to hit the ground running again.

“I feel like I just have to keep pushing and try to take every opportunity that I can to progress and keep learning.”

Gomez was speaking in Hong Kong after a gruelling training session in 30 degree heat at the Mong Kok Stadium ahead of Saturday’s Premier League Asia Trophy final against Leicester City.

In Pictures: Liverpool train ahead of Asia Trophy final

“It was tough. It’s pre-season so we know the intensity is going to be greater than normal but it’s all money in the bank for us,” he added.

“It will stand us in good stead for the upcoming games. It’s been good - a great experience so far.

“It’s always great coming out to Asia where we know Liverpool have such a massive fanbase.

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

“It’s a reminder of how big the club is. The opposition is of a very high standard so it gets us ready for the start of the new Premier League season.”

Reflecting on a demanding training session, Gomez said: “We were split into two sides. There was a tactical aspect to it with a lot of set-pieces and counter-attacks.

“It was all about the transition and switching play from attacking to defending. That’s a key aspect for us.

“The manager is building the flow and it’s about getting into good habits ahead of the new season.”